Life's Not Fair for LGBT Couples
July 18, 2012 By John M. O'Drobinak, P.C.
You have undoubtedly heard the old axiom "Life's not fair." We all know that it's true. We would like to believe that on some level, things even out and that as society progresses, things will get fairer. Maybe it will someday. But, that day is not today as most LGBT couples know all too well.
LGBT couples are gaining acceptance and legal recognition. The process is slow and it has been painful, but real progress has been made in some states. However, things still are not fair everywhere. For this reason, LGBT couples need to make sure that they have set up a legal framework to protect themselves.
One aspect of this framework is estate planning. If you want to leave your estate to a partner in a state that does not have gay marriage, you need an estate plan. If the law does not recognize your relationship, then the law will leave your property to other people. Even if you live in a state with gay marriage, you should still get an estate plan in case you ever move. Do not count on the Courts of another state to recognize the marriage. They might, and they should, but plan ahead just in case. Also, you need to be sure your funeral wishes will be carried out, just as you wish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John O'Drobinak
Experienced estate planning attorneys Crown Point IN of the John M. O'Drobinak P.C. offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Crown Point, IN.
Copyright John M. O'Drobinak, P.C.
More information about John M. O'Drobinak, P.C.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
One aspect of this framework is estate planning. If you want to leave your estate to a partner in a state that does not have gay marriage, you need an estate plan. If the law does not recognize your relationship, then the law will leave your property to other people. Even if you live in a state with gay marriage, you should still get an estate plan in case you ever move. Do not count on the Courts of another state to recognize the marriage. They might, and they should, but plan ahead just in case. Also, you need to be sure your funeral wishes will be carried out, just as you wish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John O'Drobinak
Experienced estate planning attorneys Crown Point IN of the John M. O'Drobinak P.C. offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Crown Point, IN.
Copyright John M. O'Drobinak, P.C.
More information about John M. O'Drobinak, P.C.
View all articles published by John M. O'Drobinak, P.C.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
