Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples

It is unfortunate that even now, gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not treated equally under the law in many crucial regards. You and your partner, however, can take steps to enforce your rights and make the law work for you.

At Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, our lawyers understand the legal issues that are unique to same-sex couples. Our law firm has both the experience and skill to help you and your partner protect your rights.

in California, unless a same-sex partner is registered as a domestic partner, he or she has no right to inherit his or her partner’s estate.

Helping Same-Sex Couples in a Number of Areas

Health Care Directives

We have all heard horror stories of same-sex partners who were denied access to an ill loved one by estranged family members. Regardless of your current relations with your family and your partner’s family, you can take legal action to prevent this from happening. Our lawyers can devise advance health care directives and HIPAA waivers for you and your partner. An advance health care directive will give you and your partner the right to take certain actions if you or your partner is incapacitated.

Inheritance

Another major issue involves a same-sex partner’s right to inherit the other’s estate. You may already know this, but in California, unless a same-sex partner is registered as a domestic partner, he or she has no right to inherit his or her partner’s estate. Our attorneys will prepare whatever estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney) that are necessary to achieve your specific objectives. We are also able to handle adoptions, guardianships and a host of other issues.

The day will come when gay and lesbian partnerships have all the same rights and responsibilities of heterosexual unions. Until that day, same-sex couples throughout California can rely on our law firm to help you and your partner plan for your futures together.