As we are about to wrap up another Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ community faces an increasingly uncertain legal landscape. In the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, ending the recognition of a constitutional right to abortion, many are worried that other rights, especially those enjoyed by same-gender couples, might also be under threat.

In fact, with Roe overturned, legal experts warn that the Supreme Court’s new Republican majority may come for landmark LGBTQ-rights decisions next, including marriage equality established by Obergefell v. Hodges. In light of this potential challenge, it’s critical that same-gender couples ensure their estate plans are carefully reviewed and updated by an estate planning lawyer who understands the special needs of LGBTQ+ planning to address any such developments. Although we will have to wait and see whether the Supreme Court ultimately decides to rule on marriage equality, same-gender couples can act right now to put in place a number of proactive estate planning measures to ensure their relationships have the maximum legal protection.

Estate PlanningErica EndykeJune 29, 2022estate planning, lgbtq couples, lgbtq, faqs, estate pan, pride month, Legacy planning, estate and legacy planning, domestic relationship, incapacity plan, living will, parental rights, personal family lawyer

3 Estate Planning Issues For LGBTQ Couples—Part 2

As we discussed last week in part one, such discrimination can create unique estate planning challenges, and regardless of your marriage status, if you are an LGTBQ adult in a committed partnership, you should be aware of several issues that can affect your planning strategies. Specifically, we discussed how relying on a will alone may not provide sufficient protection for your partner/spouse, and we explained why incapacity planning is particularly crucial if you want your partner/spouse to have a say in your medical treatment and the ability to access and manage your assets in the event you are hit with a debilitating illness or injury.

Estate PlanningErica EndykeJune 28, 2021estate plan, estate planning, lgbtq couples, lgbtq, estate planning lawyers, personal family lawyer, family wealth planning, family wealth planning session, lgbt partnerships, federal government, samegendermarriage, partnership, marriage, spouse, child protection, parenting, kids protection plan