FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 5, 2010

NCLR Settles Same-Sex Parent Custody Dispute

(San Francisco, CA, March 5, 2010) — Today the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) announced the resolution of the custody dispute between Kim Smith and Maggie Quale in Santa Cruz, California.

While in a committed relationship, Smith and Quale had twins together using donated sperm. The dispute arose when the couple separated and Quale, who had given birth to the twins, challenged Smith’s parental rights. Under the settlement, both women are recognized as legal parents of their twins.

“Kim and Maggie are working hard to rebuild trust and are returning their focus to the care of their children,” said Deborah Wald, one of the attorneys, along with NCLR, who represented Smith. “The parties’ attorneys request the community’s support in respecting the privacy of Kim, Maggie and their families during this time.”

For further details about the case, click here.

For more information about NCLR’s family law work and resources, visit www.nclrights.org/families.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
www.nclrights.org.

back to press center