For many same sex couples who have children, one parent will be a biological parent of the child while the other will not.
For most parents, whether the child is theirs biologically doesn’t affect their parenting abilities and day to day life.
However, understanding legal parenting rights when you’re not the biological parent is important. As families can be created in many ways – through Assisted Reproductive Technology, Surrogacy, and Adoption, for example – the laws surrounding legal parentage can differ and be confusing.
If you’re in a same sex relationship and considering having children together, you can always discuss this with a family lawyer. They can advise you on any actions you may need to take and where you legally stand in your state or territory.