Kristine H. and Lisa R. had a child together using alternative insemination. Before the child was born, they petitioned a court to issue an order declaring both women to be the child’s legal parents. When the couple separated a few years later, however, Kristine challenged Lisa’s parental status and tried to prevent her from having any right to custody or visitation.

In August 2005, the California Supreme Court ruled that Kristine was barred from challenging the court’s order and that both women are legal parents. NCLR, Lambda Legal, and other LGBTQ organizations filed an amicus brief supporting Lisa, the non-biological mother. Lisa was represented by Diane Goodman and Leslie Shear of Los Angeles, California.