Estate Planning with Pride: Protecting Your Partner & Legacy

For LGBTQ individuals and families, the needs of the estate planning process can be nuanced regarding not only dignity and respect, but also in defining how the legacy of their life will live on. Whether your personal relationship structure is more traditional or complex, careful and intentional estate planning gives you control over what happens to your assets and the people who matter most to you.

LGBTQ individuals have historically needed to fight for legal protection in many arenas, from marriage recognition to hospital room admittance, among others. While those battles have yielded progress, legal gaps and contemporary social realities still make estate planning essential. In addition to these challenges, estate planning law has traditionally prioritized biological and legal relationships unless otherwise specified in legal documents. Many LGBTQ individuals rely on close friends or non-relatives for support rather than biological relatives who may be estranged or unsupportive, adding to the complexity of the decision of who to put in their estate plan.

Without a clear plan with documents in place:

• A long-term partner may not have automatic rights to inherit
• Non-traditional family members or interdependent individuals might also be left with nothing
• Financial decisions could be made by someone who doesn’t share your priorities

These are risks no one should take. Proper planning protects and honors your loved ones while ensuring your wishes are upheld. As a practice run and led by professionals and members of your community, here are some key areas we can help you navigate:

• Wills and Trusts: Decide how your assets are distributed and who is trusted to manage them
• Powers of Attorney: Choose who will make financial decisions on your behalf if suddenly you can’t
• Beneficiary Designations: Make sure your accounts, insurance, and retirement savings are distributed how you chose for them to be
• Charitable Giving: Support causes and organizations you care about so that they can continue to thrive

It’s never too early to start estate planning strategies. Infact, the earlier you begin, the more flexibility and peace of mind You’ll have. If you're closer to retirement, now is the time to make sure your documents are up to date, especially if you’ve had changes in your relationships, family, or financial situation.

We are here to guide you through your estate planning strategy process with care and clarity and are committed to helping you make decisions that appropriately reflect your needs and goals. With advisors like us, we offer understanding and a commitment to helping LGBTQ individuals and families feel secure and seen.