Chesapeake LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Lawyer
Whether you are single, married, or living in a committed relationship, it is important to address issues that might arise toward the end of your life or when you pass away. Our Chesapeake LGBTQ+ estate planning lawyer can answer your questions and help you create a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your personal situation and needs.
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Estate Planning
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it is critical that you make sure your wishes are respected. If you have a partner but are not married, creating a plan is the only way to ensure they can make decisions on your behalf or that they have a right to continue their relationship with your child. If you are transgender and worried about the medical care you may receive in the future, it is also important to create a plan that includes advance health care directives.
An unfortunate but unique aspect of LGBTQ+ estate planning cases is that blood relatives do not agree with a person’s true gender identity or they are not supportive of a relationship. In these cases, it is very important that you obtain legal advice when drafting a will, trust, and other estate planning documents. A lawyer can ensure your will is not subject to contests or challenges if your family disputes designated beneficiaries or any other aspect of your estate plan. For transgender individuals, drafting the proper documents can also ensure proper gender identities and names are used.
If you have children with your partner and you are not the biological parent, this is an issue that is of vital importance. You must name your partner as guardian and provide specific instructions about what should occur if something happens to you and you are unable to continue raising the child. This can help avoid a custody dispute in the future.
How to Create an Estate Plan
Members of the LGBTQ+ community face many of the same issues as heterosexual individuals when planning their estate. However, there are additional complications that can arise due to discrimination and the fact that the laws have not yet entirely caught up to include varying family situations. The best way to create an estate plan is to speak with an attorney who can advise you on the best ways to protect your property, yourself, and your family.
For example, if you are worried that family members will try to contest your will, a lawyer can advise on other ways to transfer your property. These include using trusts, joint ownership of assets, and the use of pay on death accounts.
Our LGBTQ+ Estate Planning Lawyer in Chesapeake Can Draft Your Plan
When you need to draft your estate plan, you need sound legal advice. At The Law Office of Angela N. Manz, our Chesapeake LGBTQ+ estate planning lawyer can provide it to ensure that it provides the protection you intended for you and your loved ones. Call us now at 757-271-6275 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.
