The legal landscape concerning same-sex relationships is changing. It is vital for lawyers to stay on top of these changes. Attorneys who represent lesbian and gay clients must provide creative estate planning that protects both parties to the relationship, their children and their future. This new book provides estate planning lawyers with an introduction to the issues faced by lesbian and gay clients. Also provided are forms and documents on CD-ROM that lesbian and gay clients need to prepare as part of a complete estate plan.
A comprehensive guide to marriage—perks, consequences, and everything in between—aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, from a leading gay rights lawyer. Not long ago, same-sex couples had to jump through endless hoops to make their relationships even close to legal. Happily, those days are over. But here’s the rub: many gay and lesbian couples, accustomed to living off-grid, are so thrilled to have the benefits of marriage that they jump into it without fully considering the consequences. In Before I Do, leading gay rights attorney Elizabeth F. Schwartz spells out the range of practical considerations any couple should address before tying the knot. She explains the rights married couples have—and those they do not. With cameos from some of the most prominent LGBTQ+ professionals, Schwartz explores all of the implications of marriage from name changes and getting a license to taxes, insurance, Social Security, and much more. Chapters on estate planning, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and organizing finances make Before I Do a crucial handbook for anyone considering marriage—because, as Schwartz explains, just because you can get married does not mean you should. “During my thirty years of covering the gay beat for the Miami Herald, never did I imagine the need for a marriage guide for LGBT couples. Yet today nothing is more urgent. Before I Do guides all couples, gay and otherwise, about the responsibilities of marriage. Ignore it at your peril.” —Steve Rothaus, The Miami Herald
Grasp the latest legal information for gay and lesbian couples Same-sex relationships are treated differently under each state's laws, and nearly a quarter of the U.S. population lives in a state with some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples. Same Sex Legal Kit For Dummies is a practical, plain-English guide to the legal information and guidance lesbian and gay couples need—from making practical decisions about living together and obtaining domestic partner benefits, to making medical decisions, taking care of each other's finances when one partner is incapacitated, leaving property to each other, having and raising children, and much more. Discusses power of attorney, health directives, and real estate and personal property ownership Covers considerations for bank accounts, investments, and estate planning The book's accompanying CD-ROM includes dozens of helpful tools, forms, and letters Brings you up to speed on the latest in civil unions, workplace rights, rental agreements and leases, and much more The information contained in Same Sex Legal Kit For Dummies is invaluable for anyone in a same-sex relationship who needs to grasp the laws and regulations that apply to their unique situation CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of the e-book file, but are available for download after purchase.
Marriage equality is here to stay: Understand the benefits and complications Full legal marriage is now available in all U.S. states. But there are still many questions that same-sex couples should discuss before walking down the aisle. Learn how marriage will affect: your family if you have children your taxes, and your responsibility for your partner’s debts. Making It Legal also covers state laws on same-sex domestic partnerships and civil unions, and explains whether your registration will be recognized if you move to another state.
A groundbreaking book for gay and lesbian couples. In this country, same-sex marriages have yet to become legalized even though increasing numbers of lesbian and gay couples are forming and maintaining long-term relationships. In a friendly and informal tone, Legal Affairs presents critical concerns facing individuals whose partnership is not protected by the laws of marriage. It covers the social, legal, psychological, and financial aspects of forming or dissolving same-sex partnerships as it encourages couples to design for themselves a balanced and equitable union that will survive the good and bad times. A unique blend of practical advice, wise counsel, and social history, it features a comprehensive discussion of a variety of legal and financial arrangements that lead to securing and "legally" binding a relationship. It reviews the commitment process; the details of making written agreements; and taxation and the "extended" family. It also offers concrete advice concerning the ending of a union that may involve children, real estate, and personal property. Sensitively recognizing the personal and political dynamics involved in same-sex partnerships, this wonderfully comprehensive guide is sure to become a must-have for gays and lesbians.
Most of us avoid estate planning, which is another name for getting our affairs in order, until we face a life changing event such as: the birth or adoption of a child; the diagnosis of an illness that threatens disability or death; a family member or close friend dies unexpectedly. And sometimes it's just because we're about to take a trip. But as a gay or lesbian couple, at least in most states, you're already facing a crisis because you don't have the benefit of laws that protect one partner at the disability and/or death of the other. I congratulate you because you've decided to take action rather than wait for the crisis or emergency. This book will help you get your affairs in order, make things as easy as possible for you and your partner at incapacity and/or death and bring you peace of mind.
One year ago, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down its landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges holding that “same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry.” Since then, an estimated 123,000 same-sex marriages have occurred bringing the total number of same-sex marriages in the United States to almost one-half million. The number of Texas same-sex marriages will be difficult to track because the government does not plan on keeping a separate count of same-sex marriage licenses. Nonetheless, with over three percent of Texans identifying themselves as gay or lesbian, it is of vital importance for estate planners to understand the current and potential future impact of same-sex marriage on estate planning in Texas. This article provides a summary of the Obergefell decision and discusses potential ramifications including retroactivity with respect to common-law marriages and whether a child born during a same-sex marriage will be deemed the child of both spouses.
