Estate Planning for LGBT
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community have a very difficult time making sure their legal desires are met. The problem is LGBT adults do not have the legal rights and privileges which spouses have for and about each other. For example, a spouse may receive assets from a decedent and no estate taxes will have to be paid upon that first death. This is not true for an LGBT family. Other issues arise in terms of who is entitled to assets upon someone’s death if there is no Will, and who is authorized to make medical decisions, among many others. Another very important issue may be the rights each person has if any children are involved.
Estate Planning is needed
For LGBT families it is essential that Estate Planning be done. The adults do not have adequate rights under the law, and this is the only way each of them will be able to receive any legal recognition in the event something happens to the other one.
There are also many other issues which need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. We urge you to get proper legal representation if you are a LGBT family.