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# Jerner Law Group, P.C.

Providing high quality legal representation

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## Posts

- [U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Athlete Ban](https://www.jernerlaw.com/u-s-supreme-court-upholds-transgender-athlete-ban/) - After months of anticipation, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on transgender athletes’ rights in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. The cases involve state laws that bar transgender girls and women from competing on sports teams corresponding with their gender identity. At issue were laws in West Virginia and Idaho that
- [Fanning the Flames: The U.S. Supreme Court, Conversion Therapy & the Future of American Healthcare](https://www.jernerlaw.com/fanning-the-flames-the-us-supreme-court-conversion-therapy-and-the-future-of-american-healthcare/) - On Trans Day of Visibility, the U.S. Supreme Court released its long-awaited decision in Chiles v. Salazar. While this case directly considered a ban on conversion therapy for minors, the majority opinion instead framed it as an issue of free speech rather than LGBTQ+ rights. In her dissenting opinion, Justice Jackson warns that this opinion
- [Users Beware: The Danger of Sperm Donation Apps & Websites](https://www.jernerlaw.com/users-beware-the-danger-of-sperm-donation-apps-websites/) - When choosing to start or grow their family using assisted reproductive technology (ART), intended parents spend countless hours on the details. As access to ART procedures grows, the choices available to intended parents become more complicated: whether to pursue home insemination or to use a fertility clinic, whether to use a known or anonymous donor
- [DOJ Subpoenas Served on Gender Affirming Care Providers:  What Does It Mean?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/doj-subpoenas-served-on-gender-affirming-care-providers-what-does-it-mean/) - This summer, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) began issuing administrative subpoenas to healthcare institutions in major cities, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, who provide gender affirming care to minors. Plainly, these subpoenas are intended to intimidate gender affirming care providers and to dissuade patients and their families from seeking this care. But amidst growing
- [Let’s Talk About LGBTQ+ Marriage Equality](https://www.jernerlaw.com/lets-talk-about-lgbtq-marriage-equality/) - LGBTQ+ marriage equality has remained the law of the United States since 2015. In the past decade, it has been the topic of state legislation, civil rights litigation, political attacks, and immeasurable discussion. Still, it remains the law of the land. Let’s discuss the current state of LGBTQ+ marriage equality – both nationally and at
- [Injunctive Relief in Orr v. Trump Expanded to All Eligible Transgender Passport Holders and Applicants](https://www.jernerlaw.com/injunctive-relief-in-orr-v-trump-expanded-to-all-eligible-transgender-passport-holders-and-applicants/) - "[R]equiring transgender and non-binary people to use passports bearing sex markers corresponding to their sex assigned at birth increases their risk of experiencing anxiety, psychological distress, suicidality, discrimination, harassment, and violence." On June 17, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted class certification in the pending lawsuit, Orr v. Trump, expanding
- [Pennsylvania Supreme Court Adopts a New Pathway to Establish Legal Parenthood](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-supreme-court-adopts-a-new-pathway-to-establish-legal-parenthood/) - On March 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recognized a new pathway to establish the parental rights of non-biological parents: the doctrine of intent-based parentage. The case involved a same-sex couple, Chanel Glover and Nicole Junior, who were married in January of 2021. Before their marriage, they made the decision for Ms. Glover to
- [Voting Rights, the SAVE Act, and Yet Another Executive Order: What Does It Mean?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/voting-rights-the-save-act-and-yet-another-executive-order-what-does-it-mean/) - In this harrowing time for federal politics, it is important for marginalized populations to be able to make their voices heard. However, a proposed federal law and an executive order seek to infringe on Americans’ access to voter registration, impacting those marginalized groups the hardest – affecting not only the transgender and gender non-conforming communities,
- [Attacks on Transgender Athletes Will Harm All Students](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attacks-on-transgender-athletes-will-harm-all-students/) - In the barrage of laws and policies attacking the transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex communities, young athletes have been disproportionately targeted. While not new, these attacks are becoming increasingly common – there are currently 25 states with laws preventing transgender children and youth from joining a sports team that corresponds with their gender identity, and
- [Opportunity to Take Action: U.S. State Department Publishes Proposed Transphobic Passport Rules for Public Comment](https://www.jernerlaw.com/opportunity-to-take-action-u-s-state-department-publishes-proposed-transphobic-passport-rules-for-public-comment/) - The U.S. State Department has recently unveiled proposed rules with respect to gender markers on passports. The Department is proposing changes to three of its forms: the DS-11, to apply for a U.S. passport; the DS-82, to renew a U.S. passport; and the DS-5504, to make changes to a passport. The proposed rules are nearly
- [Trump's "Radical Indoctrination" Executive Order: What Does It Mean?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/trumps-radical-indoctrination-executive-order-what-does-it-mean/) - The new administration has continued to target the transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex communities. In its January 29, 2025 order titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” it targets public schools and the ability for transgender students to safely socially transition. What Does It Say? The order threatens funding for schools that support a transgender
- [Trump’s Attack on Gender-Affirming Care: What Does It Mean?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/trumps-attack-on-gender-affirming-care-what-does-it-mean/) - “[I]t is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.” The new administration has continued its onslaught of executive orders
- [Trump’s “Two Sexes” Executive Order: What Does It Mean?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/trumps-two-sexes-executive-order-what-does-it-mean/) - “As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.” Shortly after his inauguration, Donald Trump signed several executive orders, including one titled, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This executive order is
- [After the Election: Things LGBTQ+ Families Should Know Now](https://www.jernerlaw.com/after-the-election-things-lgbtq-families-should-know-now-2/) - Following the election, many in the LGBTQ+ community are worried about the impact that the new administration will have on their lives. LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and parents can take steps now to protect themselves, protect their families, and prepare themselves for some possible changes. No one can take away your marriage. If you are married,
- [After the Election: Things Trans People Should Know Now](https://www.jernerlaw.com/after-the-election-things-trans-people-should-know-now-2/) - Following the election, many U.S. policies and regulations may be affected by the new administration. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals can take steps now to protect themselves and prepare themselves for some of the predicted changes. Rules and policies that may change (and not for the better): Rules governing changes to gender markers on IDs
- [Not a Speed Bump, But a Road Block: Texas Department of Public Safety Bars Texans from Updating Sex Designation on Driver’s Licenses](https://www.jernerlaw.com/not-a-speed-bump-but-a-road-block-texas-department-of-public-safety-bars-texans-from-updating-sex-designation-on-drivers-licenses/) - On August 20, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a new policy to barring any amendments to the sex designation on Texas-issued driver’s licenses, unless a change is necessary to fix a clerical error. For many transgender or gender non-conforming (GNC) people, their legal transition includes seeking a court-ordered legal name change.
- ["Marriage Equality Must Be Codified": Pennsylvania House Passes Bill to Protect Same-Sex Marriage](https://www.jernerlaw.com/marriage-equality-must-be-codified-pennsylvania-house-passes-bill-to-protect-same-sex-marriage/) - Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill that would officially protect same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. HB 2269, sponsored by Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, changes the definition of marriage under Pennsylvania’s Domestic Relations laws, which currently only recognizes marriage as being between a man and a woman. It also specifically
- [Fighting Over the Past: Ferretti v. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission](https://www.jernerlaw.com/fighting-over-the-past-ferretti-v-pennsylvania-historical-and-museum-commission/) - A Pennsylvania agency and court are currently deciding who controls access to millions of individual vital records – Ancestry.com, or the Commonwealth itself. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) contracted The Generations Network/Ancestry.com (Ancestry) to digitize Pennsylvania’s physical historical records in 2008. These records include birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, naturalization documents, veteran
- [Celebrating Benjamin Jerner's Selection to the Super Lawyers List 2024](https://www.jernerlaw.com/celebrating-benjamin-jerners-selection-to-the-super-lawyers-list-2024/) - We are pleased to announce that Benjamin Jerner, Managing Partner of Jerner Law Group, P.C., has been named by Thompson Reuters as a Super Lawyers in area of Estate Administration, Planning & Probate.* Benjamin has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering unparalleled legal services to his clients. His inclusion on the Super Lawyers list is
- [Today,  Pennsylvania Supreme Court Denies Sherri Shepherd’s Request To Review The Baby S. Case That Ruled She Was a Legal Mother to the Child She Conceived Through Surrogacy](https://www.jernerlaw.com/press-release-today-pennsylvania-supreme-court-denies-sherri-shepherds-request-to-review-the-baby-s-case-that-ruled-she-was-a-legal-mother-to-the-child-she-conceived-through-surrogacy/) - Today the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania denied Sherri Shepherd’s Petition for Allowance of Appeal, where she was requesting that the high court review the landmark ruling in the case of Baby S., and 2015 Pa Super. 244, upholding a May 2015 trial court case that held for the first time that a gestational surrogacy contract is
- [Two Men, a Woman, and a Baby: A New Jersey Case Sets New Law for 3-Parent Families](https://www.jernerlaw.com/two-men-a-woman-and-a-baby-a-new-jersey-case-sets-new-law-for-3-parent-families/) - It all seemed so idyllic when Kitty Stillufsen described her “modern” family in a July 2011 Marie Claire article. Kitty, her gay best friend, Darren, and his husband, Sam, decided to conceive a child with Kitty’s egg and Darren’s sperm. They also decided that the child would be given Sam’s last name. It was the parties’
- [Today Pennsylvania Superior Court Upholds Validity of Surrogacy Contracts and Rules Sherri Shepherd is the Legal Mother to Baby S.](https://www.jernerlaw.com/today-pennsylvania-superior-court-upholds-validity-of-surrogacy-contracts-and-rules-sherri-shepherd-is-the-legal-mother-to-baby-s/) - Today the Superior Court of Pennsylvania issued a landmark ruling in the case of Baby S., 2015 Pa. Super. 244, upholding a May 2015 trial court case that held for the first time that a gestational surrogacy contract is valid and enforceable in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Jerner Law Group, P.C. represented the father of
- [Jerner Law Group, P.C. Attorneys Contribute to New Book Addressing LGBT Law in Pennsylvania](https://www.jernerlaw.com/jerner-palmer-p-c-attorneys-contribute-to-new-book-addressing-lgbt-law-in-pennsylvania/) - PBI Press has released the third edition of “Representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Clients in Pennsylvania.” This important legal resource was authored by the leading LGBT law practitioners in Pennsylvania and includes chapters by each of the attorneys at Jerner Law Group, P.C. Attorney Rebecca Levin authored the chapter on Real Estate Issues for
- [Pennsylvania Appellate Court rules Family Courts may now hear civil union dissolution cases through same process as divorces](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-appellate-court-rules-family-courts-may-now-hear-civil-union-dissolution-cases-through-same-process-as-divorces/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- December 28, 2016 Philadelphia, PA- For the first time, a Pennsylvania appellate court has recognized civil unions. An appeal filed in the Superior Court by Freyda Neyman of Philadelphia and her attorneys at Jerner Law Group, P.C., and Mazzoni Center Legal Services, urged the Court to find that the Court of Common
- [Benjamin L. Jerner Receives Special Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association](https://www.jernerlaw.com/benjamin-l-jerner-receives-special-achievement-award-from-the-pennsylvania-bar-association/) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association selected Benjamin L. Jerner to receive a Special Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to the Transgender Name Change Task Force, a subcommittee of the PBA's LGBTQ+ Rights Committee. The Transgender Name Change Task Force explored the creation of a proposed procedural rule to promote safety, confidentiality and consistency in
- [Attorney Kenneth R. Pugh Joins Jerner Law Group, P.C.](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney-kenneth-r-pugh-joins-jerner-law-group-p-c/) - Jerner Law Group, P.C. is pleased to welcome our newest associate, Kenneth R. Pugh. Ken’s practice is focused on estate planning, estate administration, and tax law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Prior to joining Jerner Law Group, P.C., Ken worked as an estate planning attorney with firms in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and in Southern New Jersey. Ken earned
- [Jerner Law Group Partner Rebecca Nayak Elected Chair of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association](https://www.jernerlaw.com/jerner-law-group-partner-rebecca-nayak-elected-chair-of-the-family-law-section-of-the-philadelphia-bar-association/) - Jerner Law Group is thrilled to announce that partner Rebecca Nayak has been elected as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association. The Philadelphia Bar Association serves more than 12,000 members and the Family Law Section consists of family law lawyers in the Philadelphia area. Rebecca's practice focusses on adoption and
- [Pennsylvania Strengthens Stance Against Conversion Therapy](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-strengthens-stance-against-conversion-therapy/) - On May 2, 2024, five state regulatory boards in Pennsylvania adopted a policy opposing conversion therapy for minors and warning the individuals they license that they may be professionally disciplined for violating the policy. The Pennsylvania state Boards of Medicine, Psychology, Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing, and of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors,
- [U.S. Supreme Court Allows Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Minors to Go Into Effect in Idaho](https://www.jernerlaw.com/u-s-supreme-court-allows-gender-affirming-care-ban-to-go-into-effect-in-idaho/) - On April 16, 2024, the United States Supreme Court allowed a law to go into effect which bans gender-affirming care for all minors in the state of Idaho. The case, Labrador v. Poe,[1] involves HB 71, which was signed into law in Idaho in April of 2023.[2] The “Vulnerable Child Protection Act,” the official title
- [Prenups](https://www.jernerlaw.com/prenups/) - Congratulations on your engagement! Your wedding planning may have left out an important piece of the puzzle for setting yourselves up for a successful marriage - consulting with a family law attorney about whether a prenuptial agreement makes sense for your budding family. A consultation regarding your rights and obligations prior to getting married helps
- [Kayden’s Law Is Now Pennsylvania Law – For Better Or For Worse](https://www.jernerlaw.com/kaydens-law-is-now-pennsylvania-law-for-better-or-for-worse/) - New legislation may help some children and may harm others. Kayden Mancuso was a seven-year-old girl who was tragically beaten to death in Manayunk by her father, Jeffrey Mancuso, during his court-ordered unsupervised custody time in the summer of 2018; Mr. Mancuso then killed himself. Kayden’s mother, Kathy Sherlock, had previously submitted evidence of Mr.
- [Divorce and Pregnancy](https://www.jernerlaw.com/divorce-and-pregnancy/) - Missouri’s divorce law, which allows judges to stop pregnant individuals from divorcing their spouses, went viral online this month when a Democratic state representative introduced legislation to overturn the 1973 law. There are similar laws in Arkansas and Texas, where judges frown upon entering a divorce decree until a pregnancy is terminated or a baby
- [The Alabama IVF Decision](https://www.jernerlaw.com/the-alabama-ivf-decision/) - The Alabama IVF Decision “We believe that each human being, from the moment of conception, is made in the image of God, created by Him to reflect His likeness.… All three branches of government are subject to a constitutional mandate to treat each unborn human life with reverence. Carving out an exception for the people
- [Pennsylvania Adoption for Same-Sex Married Couples FAQ](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-adoption-for-same-sex-married-couples-faq/) - My wife and I are having a child using a sperm donor. My wife will give birth to our child. At the hospital, will we be able to put both of our names on the birth certificate? Yes. At the time of the birth of your child, you will have to complete forms at the
- [U.S. Supreme Court Justices Attack the Constitutional Right to Marry](https://www.jernerlaw.com/u-s-supreme-court-justices-attack-the-constitutional-right-to-marry/) - This past week U.S. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito issued a joint statement that blasted the legal reasoning behind the 2015 decision of Obergefell v. Hodges, the case which declared that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry under the 14th Amendment guarantee to equal protection of the law. This joint statement
- [What the “Reopening” Means for the Courts](https://www.jernerlaw.com/what-the-reopening-means-for-the-courts/) - On June 5th, the Philadelphia-metro entered the “yellow phase” of reopening. This new phase lifted the stay-at-home order and allows for some businesses to reopen in compliance with CDC and social distancing guidelines. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an order that terminates the statewide Judicial Emergency as of June 1, 2020. (A copy of the
- [Relocating Trans and Nonbinary Children to Pennsylvania](https://www.jernerlaw.com/relocating-trans-and-nonbinary-children-to-pennsylvania/) - Relocating Trans and Nonbinary Children to Pennsylvania
- [Attorney Jennifer Dumin Joins Jerner Law Group, P.C.](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney-jennifer-dumin-joins-jerner-law-group-p-c/) - We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Dumin, Esquire, as a Partner to Jerner Law Group, P.C. Jennifer is a highly skilled and experienced family law attorney with a background in social work. She is committed to helping her clients understand, confront, and resolve their legal challenges. She has a special interest in meeting the
- [Applying for Dual Citizenship? You May Need to Amend Your Ancestors' Records](https://www.jernerlaw.com/applying-for-dual-citizenship-may-involve-amending-ancestors-records/) - Your great-grandfather immigrated from a small village in Italy to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the turn of the century. Neither he nor your great-grandmother could read or write in English. When your grandfather was born, your great-grandparents signed the birth certificate even though it was riddled with errors. When your grandfather was married his mother’s date
- [Who is a Legal Parent in Pennsylvania?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/who-is-a-legal-parent-in-pennsylvania/) - The October 2020 issue of the Pennsylvania Bar Quarterly includes an article co-authored by Jerner Law Group. P.C. attorneys Benjamin Jerner and Leora Cohen Schiff regarding parentage in Pennsylvania. The full text of the article, titled “Defining Parental Rights in Pennsylvania in the 21st Century” can be found here.
- [Attorney Nayak Co-Authors Article on Confirmatory Adoptions](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney-nayak-co-authors-article-on-confirmatory-adoptions/) - Jerner Law Group, P.C. partner Rebecca Levin Nayak served as Co- Special Editor of the New Jersey Lawyer Magazine issue on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. This issue examines how attorneys discuss and advocate cases that involve issues of or connected to sexual orientation and gender identity across numerous practice areas, including immigration law, family
- [Who’s Your Beneficiary? Why It Is Crucial To Check and Re-Check Your Beneficiary Designations](https://www.jernerlaw.com/whos-your-beneficiary-why-it-is-crucial-to-check-and-re-check-your-beneficiary-designations/) - If you have a life insurance policy, a retirement account or a pension, chances are you were asked to designate beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are the individuals or entities you designate to receive these assets when you die. Beneficiary designations supersede any directions outlined in a will or trust. Therefore, is it crucial to make sure
- [New Law in New Jersey Simplifies Confirmatory Adoptions](https://www.jernerlaw.com/new-law-in-new-jersey-simplifies-confirmatory-adoptions/) - Some Good News! Adoptions in New Jersey just got easier and less expensive for many parents who created their families used using Assisted Reproduction Technology. Last week, the New Jersey law simplifying confirmatory adoptions for parents who are not genetically related to their children conceived through assisted reproduction went into effect. Previously, a spouse or
- [Pennsylvania Temporarily Allows Remote Notarization in Response to Coronavirus Emergency](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-temporarily-allows-remote-notarization-in-response-to-coronavirus-emergency/) - In response to the coronavirus emergency, the Pennsylvania Department of State has announced that approved Pennsylvania electronic notaries will be permitted to notarize certain estate planning documents using audio-video communication technology. The was announced as a temporary measure only, given the difficulty many Pennsylvanians are experiencing when attempting to sign critical estate planning documents. Documents
- [Sliding Scale Basic Estate Planning Package](https://www.jernerlaw.com/sliding-scale-basic-estate-planning-package/) - During this time of rapid change and uncertainty, the attorneys and staff of Jerner Law Group, P.C. want to reassure our clients that we are continuing to work to meet your legal needs. While our office space is physically closed to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, we are working remotely. Our attorneys and staff are available by
- [Basic Estate Planning Documents Explained](https://www.jernerlaw.com/basic-estate-planning-documents-explained/) - Estate planning is a powerful tool to communicate your wishes in the event of disability or death. This is especially important where the individuals who are legally defined as “next of kin” are not the individuals, or are not the only individuals, whom you would want to make medical or financial decisions on your behalf
- [Attorney Leora Cohen Schiff Joins Jerner Law Group, P.C.](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney-leora-cohen-schiff-joins-jerner-law-group-p-c/) - We are thrilled to welcome Leora Cohen Schiff, Esquire, to Jerner Law Group, P.C. Prior to joining Jerner Law Group, P.C., Leora worked as a family law attorney in the Philadelphia offices of Cozen O’Connor. Leora’s practice is focused on family law and assisted reproduction law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She handles a wide
- [After the Election: Things Trans People Should Know Now](https://www.jernerlaw.com/after-the-election-things-trans-people-should-know-now/) - Rules and policies that may change (and not for the better): Rules governing corrections to gender markers on U.S. passports The new administration may alter the requirements for changing gender markers on U.S. passports. Under Secretary Clinton, the State Department did away with the rule that a person had to have undergone sex reassignment
- [Love makes a family, but what makes a legal parent?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/love-makes-a-family-but-what-makes-a-legal-parent/) - Attorney Rebecca Levin discusses whether being listed as a parent on a child's birth certificate constitutes a legal determination of parenthood in an article, Love Makes a Family, But What Makes a Legal Parent, published in Philadelphia Gay News.
- [Adult Adoptions Q & A with Attorney Rebecca Levin](https://www.jernerlaw.com/adult-adoptions-q-a-with-attorney-levin/) - We receive a lot of questions at Jerner Law Group, P.C. about adult adoptions. Many people don’t know that adult adoptions are permitted in Pennsylvania. Attorney Rebecca Levin answers some common questions our firm has received. Who typically files for adult adoptions? Foster parents or stepparents who raised a child but were never able to
- [After the Election: Things LGBTQ Families Should Know Now](https://www.jernerlaw.com/after-the-election-things-lgbtq-families-should-know-now/) - No one can take away your marriage. If you are married, no President can “undo” that legal status. There is no realistic possibility that anyone’s marriage will be invalidated. The law is strong that if a marriage is valid when entered, it cannot be invalidated by any subsequent change in the law. People who are
- [Misconceptions About Marriage and Parentage in Assisted Reproduction](https://www.jernerlaw.com/misconceptions-about-marriage-and-parentage-in-assisted-reproduction/) - Am I a parent? If you and your spouse are using assisted reproduction to conceive and only one of you has a genetic connection to the child (for example, if you used an egg donor or sperm donor), will you both have full legal parental rights, recognized by all states? The simple answer is "no". Laws
- [PA Department of Health Issues Long-Awaited Guidance to Hospitals on Birth Certificates for Same-sex Couples after Marriage Equality](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pa-department-of-health-issues-long-awaited-guidance-to-hospitals-on-birth-certificates-for-same-sex-couples-after-marriage-equality/) - June 2, 2016- This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued guidance to all Pennsylvania hospitals advising that for same-sex female couples who are married at the time one spouse gives birth, the hospital should list both spouses as the child’s parents on the original birth certificate. The guidance is a long-awaited reinforcement of a
- [Dad or Donor? Common myths about using known sperm donors in Pennsylvania](https://www.jernerlaw.com/dad-or-donor-common-myths-about-using-known-sperm-donors-in-pennsylvania/) - You want to make a baby, and your best friend has offered to be your sperm donor. This is an exciting time, but as you begin your journey to parenthood, individuals or couples seeking to use known sperm donors should understand the potential legal pitfalls before conceiving a child. A court in Texas recently found
- [Texas Court rules that sperm donor is entitled to parental rights and responsibilities](https://www.jernerlaw.com/texas-court-rules-that-sperm-donor-is-entitled-to-parental-rights-and-responsibilities/) - An appellate court in Texas recently found a known sperm donor to be the legal father of the child conceived and awarded him custody rights and held him liable for child support. In the case of In Re P.S., a woman asked her friend to be a sperm donor so that she could have a
- [Superior Court Case Confirms the Right to Retroactive Common Law Marriage Determination for Pennsylvania Same-Sex Couples: Provides Pathway to Important Rights and Benefits](https://www.jernerlaw.com/common-law-marriage-for-pennsylvania-same-sex-couples-provides-important-avenue-to-rights-and-benefits/) - A recent Pennsylvania Superior Court case confirms that same-sex couples in Pennsylvania have the same right to prove a common law marriage as opposite-sex couples under the United States constitution, applying the Obergefell v. Hodges and Whitewood v. Wolf cases retroactively. The opinion issued this week, In Re Estate of Carter, states: “[S]ame-sex couples have
- [Surrogacy Contracts Now Legally Enforceable in New Jersey](https://www.jernerlaw.com/surrogacy-contracts-now-legally-enforceable-in-new-jersey/) - On May 30, 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act (S-482) into law, bringing a seismic shift in the legal landscape for assisted reproduction law in the state. Prior to this law, when the landmark Baby M case in 1988 struck down a surrogacy contract as illegal and
- [Surrogacy Attorney Rebecca Levin answers questions about the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act](https://www.jernerlaw.com/surrogacy-attorney-rebecca-levin-answers-questions-about-the-new-jersey-gestational-carrier-agreement-act/) - On May 30, 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Act into law, bringing a seismic shift in the legal landscape for assisted reproduction law in the state. Rebecca Levin, an attorney experienced in surrogacy cases and licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania answers questions about the new law. Q.
- [Marriage Equality Cases](https://www.jernerlaw.com/marriage-equality-jerner-palmer-cases/) - Jerner Law Group, P.C. has been on the forefront of fighting for LGBT civil rights for more than a decade. Jerner Law Group, P.C. has represented LGBT clients in marriage equality cases in Pennsylvania in both federal and state court. IN RE: ESTATE OF BURGI-RIOS, Orphans’ Court of Northampton County, Pennsylvania Barbara Baus, a widow
- [Skeletons in the Closet: Can a Civil Union or Registered Domestic Partnership Come Back to Haunt You?](https://www.jernerlaw.com/skeletons-in-the-closet-can-a-civil-union-or-registered-domestic-partnership-come-back-to-haunt-you/) - Civil unions and domestic partnerships are quasi-marital statuses created by some states prior to marriage equality. Although Pennsylvania never offered theses legal statuses, many same-sex couples in Pennsylvania traveled to other states to obtain civil unions or domestic partnerships because they were unable to legally marry. What many folks do not understand is that these
- [When Three (or More) is Not a Crowd: Poly Families & Pennsylvania Law](https://www.jernerlaw.com/when-three-or-more-is-not-a-crowd-poly-families-pennsylvania-law/) - Polyamory is the practice of being in intimate relationships with more than one partner with the knowledge and consent of all partners. Poly families have many considerations in structuring their legal affairs so that the intention of the individuals in the relationship are defined, protected and respected. Because not all polyamorous families are alike, it is important to
- [Jerner Law Group, P.C. offers pro bono and reduced fee services for gender marker changes to U.S. Passports](https://www.jernerlaw.com/jerner-palmer-p-c-offers-pro-bono-and-reduced-fee-services-for-gender-marker-changes-to-u-s-passports/) - Following the election, many people have expressed concerns about potential policy changes that may negatively impact the LGBTQ community. As explained in our recent blog post, one of the changes the Trump administration could implement fairly quickly after taking office is the policy regarding changes to gender markers on U.S. passports. U.S. passports are important identity
- [Where There's No Will, There Are [Several] Ways](https://www.jernerlaw.com/what-happens-if-i-die-without-a-will/) - If you die intestate (without a Will) in Pennsylvania there are laws in place that dictate exactly how your probate property will be distributed.
- [Bathroom Bigotry: North Carolina’s Discriminatory Law Targets Transgender Citizens](https://www.jernerlaw.com/bathroom-bigotry-north-carolinas-discriminatory-law-targets-transgender-citizens/) - Two weeks ago, transgender individuals living in North Carolina woke up to find that critical non-discrimination protections in their towns and cities had vanished overnight. In the span of a few hours on Wednesday, March 23, Governor Pat McCrory of North Carolina enacted a new state law that prohibits localities from allowing transgender individuals to
- [Jerner & Palmer, P.C. Partner Tiffany Palmer Elected as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia](https://www.jernerlaw.com/jerner-palmer-p-c-partner-tiffany-palmer-elected-as-judge-of-the-court-of-common-pleas-of-philadelphia/) - Jerner & Palmer, P.C. proudly announces the election of Attorney Tiffany Palmer as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia in yesterday’s General Election. She will begin her term as a Judge in January 2020 and step down as a partner from Jerner & Palmer, P.C. in December. Partners Benjamin Jerner and Rebecca
- [The Trump Administration’s Most Recent Attack on Transgender People:  What Trans Adults and Parents of Trans Kids Should Know](https://www.jernerlaw.com/the-trump-administrations-most-recent-attack-on-transgender-people-what-trans-adults-and-parents-of-trans-kids-should-know/) - By now you have probably heard about Trump administration’s “memo” as reported by the New York Times. The memo, from the Department of Health and Human Services, argues that government agencies should adopt a definition of gender that is limited to either male or female and should be determined by that sex assigned at birth,
- [The Trump Administration’s Most Recent Attack on Transgender People: How You Can Help Fight Back](https://www.jernerlaw.com/the-trump-administrations-most-recent-attack-on-transgender-people-how-you-can-help-fight-back/) - It can be tough to stand up and take action given the almost daily assault on decency and human rights by the Trump administration. However, each of us needs to do what we can to fight the administration's latest attack against trans and gender non-conforming people. By now you have probably heard about Trump administration’s
- [Pennsylvania Same-Sex Marriage FAQ](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-same-sex-marriage-faq/) - If we married in another state will our marriage be recognized in Pennsylvania? Yes. If you married in another state, your marriage will be recognized in Pennsylvania and you will have all the rights and obligations of a married couple under Pennsylvania law. You do not need to "re-marry" in Pennsylvania. In fact, cure re-marrying
- [Pennsylvania Superior Court decision brings new rights to civil union couples](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pennsylvania-superior-court-decision-brings-new-rights-to-civil-union-couples/) - On December 28, 2016, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a unanimous opinion in Neyman v. Buckley holding that, “a Vermont civil union should be considered the legal equivalent of marriage for the purposes of dissolution under the Pennsylvania Divorce Code.” The case… Civil unions were created as a separate marital status for same-sex couples in a number
- [Name and Gender Marker Changes to Pennsylvania Driver's Licenses and Non-Driver ID Cards](https://www.jernerlaw.com/name-and-gender-changes-on-pennsylvania-drivers-liceneses-blj/) - Changing Only Your Name If you have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or identity card that will not expire in the next six months, and you wish a new photo to appear on your driver's license, the name on your license can be changed by submitting a completed PennDOT Form DL-80, Non-Commercial Driver’s License Application for
- [New Proposed Federal Rule Regarding Insurance Coverage of Transition-Related Health Care](https://www.jernerlaw.com/new-proposed-federal-rule-regarding-insurance-coverage-of-transition-related-health-care/) - As of last month, transgender individuals are closer than ever to having their transition related healthcare covered by their insurance. On September 3rd, 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released proposed rules that would mandate the protection of transgender people under federal law, and make illegal the common practice of categorically excluding

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- [Estate Planning](https://www.jernerlaw.com/estate-planning/) - Our attorneys work with individuals and couples from Pennsylvania and New Jersey and provide a variety of estate planning documents including wills, financial powers of attorney, health care and mental health care powers of attorney, living wills, customized beneficiary designations, children’s trusts, special needs trusts, standalone retirement trusts and standby guardianship designations.
- [Assisted Reproduction Law](https://www.jernerlaw.com/assisted-reproduction-law/) - The attorneys of Jerner Law Group, P.C. practice on the cutting edge of this field and help clients secure legal rights to the children they are creating through assisted reproduction, by using donor sperm, donor eggs, surrogates or gestational carriers.
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- [Premarital Planning](https://www.jernerlaw.com/pre-marital-planning/) - The attorneys of Jerner Law Group, P.C. have more than 15 years’ experience representing individuals who wish to enter into contractual agreements, pre-nups, to clarify certain property rights with their intended spouse prior to getting married.
- [Divorce & Dissolution](https://www.jernerlaw.com/divorce-and-dissolution/) - The attorneys of Jerner Law Group, P.C. provide clients with legal representation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with respect to divorce, dissolution of same-sex civil unions and domestic partnerships, child support, custody, equitable distribution and protection from domestic violence.
- [ezsolution design](https://www.jernerlaw.com/ezsolution-design/) - Founded in 2003, Jerner Law Group provides quality legal representation to individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey in a number of practice areas including adoption, see child custody and support, divorce, domestic violence, assisted reproductive law and transgender issues. The firm operates two locations, one in Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey, to best
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## Attorneys

- [Rachel Levy](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/rachel-levy/) - Rachel Levy (she/her) has a passion for meeting the legal needs of the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring skillful and knowledgeable representation for transgender and gender non-conforming clients. She is a supervising attorney with Penn Carey Law’s Trans Empowerment & Advocacy Project (TEA) and its name change clinic, supervising law students and assisting transgender and gender
- [Benjamin L. Jerner](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/benjamin-l-jerner/) - Benjamin L. Jerner is the managing partner and founder of Jerner Law Group, P.C. He has practiced law in Philadelphia for over 20 years, concentrating his practice on estate planning, probate and estate administration, adoption and legal issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients. Practice Areas Adoption, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Transgender
- [John R. Hamilton, Jr.](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/john-r-hamilton-jr/) - John Hamilton has over four decades of legal experience, with a background that combines family law, estate planning, tax law, and litigation. He is known for his thorough preparation, attention to detail, and commitment to helping clients understand and resolve their legal challenges. John brings a unique blend of tax, accounting and courtroom experience that
- [Corenda Gaines](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/corenda-gaines/) - Corenda Gaines joined the firm in 2023 after working as an in-house and law firm Corporate Paralegal for over six years. She works as a Paralegal for the firm's Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Law cases.
- [Ted M. Greenberg](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/ted-m-greenberg/) - Ted M. Greenberg has practiced law for over thirty years. His practice has focused on federal and state taxation, estate planning, asset protection planning, business succession planning, and estate and trust administration. Previously, Ted chaired the wealth preservation department of a Center City, Philadelphia law firm, and was senior trust counsel to a trust company
- [Kevin Lewis](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/kevin-lewis/) - Kevin Lewis joined the firm in 2021 as our Firm Administrator after working as Operations Director for a local nonprofit therapeutic program that assists individuals with disabilities, diagnoses, and those in at-risk populations. Kevin supports all our staff with administrative and day-to-day functions.
- [Susanne Cosandier](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/susanne-cosandier/) - Sue Cosandier joined the firm in 2005 after working for more than twenty years as a Marketing Assistant in the defense industry. Sue is the firm’s Intake Coordinator and works as a paralegal on the firm’s adoption and assisted reproduction law matters.
- [Krista Sholly-Burns](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/krista-sholly-burns/) - Krista Sholly-Burns performs a variety of client relations functions at Jerner Law Group, P.C. These include answering telephone calls and welcoming clients into to our office with friendliness and compassion. Krista also performs paralegal support for the firm’s family law matters.
- [Christine Hoff](https://www.jernerlaw.com/attorney/christine-hoff/) - Christine Hoff has worked as a legal assistant for over thirty years. Chris joined the firm in 2013. She conducts intake calls and works as a paralegal regarding estate planning, estate administration, and name change matters.

## Practices

- [Adoption](https://www.jernerlaw.com/practice/adoption/) - Adoption
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