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LGBTQ Estate Planning

LGBTQ estate planning must take into account the unique challenges that may be faced by individuals who are homosexual, bisexual, or transgendered. Those who identify as LGBTQ individuals need to ensure that they are represented by an attorney who has a detailed understanding of the issues affecting their lives and their families. The Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. can help.

Our legal team has a long history of providing representation to LGBTQ individuals in the Finger Lakes, Rochester, Naples, Pittsford, and surrounding areas. If you are ready to take the necessary steps towards planning for the future and the necessary steps to ensure your family is cared for when you are gone, give us a call today at (585) 546-1734. We can provide personalized solutions designed for your situation and can answer questions you may have including:

  • Why do I need LGBTQ estate planning?
  • What is involved in LGBTQ estate planning?
  • How can an LGBTQ estate planning lawyer help?

Why Do I Need LGBTQ Estate Planning?

You need LGBTQ estate planning in order to make sure your loved ones are protected and that your own future is secure. This is the same reason that people of all gender identities and all sexualities engage in estate planning. However, your LGBT status may create additional complications for you, depending upon your situation.

The nationwide recognition of gay marriage and the recognition of gay marriage by the federal government has made estate planning easier in many ways for LGBTQ individuals. If you marry, you can now pass assets to your spouse without worrying about paying federal estate tax, and your spouse will also be considered a family member when it comes time to making medical decisions or assigning a guardian in case of incapacity.

Marriage can solve many estate planning problems, if you choose to take advantage of the legal protections this institution provides. However, not everyone wants to marry and not all issues are resolved by a marriage certificate. You may still have challenges in achieving retirement security if you cannot get Social Security under your spouse’s work record because of a delay in the recognition of your marriage, or you may have non-biological children who you are raising with a spouse but who you have not formally adopted. These issues need to be addressed with help from a Finger Lakes LGBTQ planning lawyer.

Those who have family members who are not fully supportive of their gender identity or of their sexuality can also face much more complex issues. If you are worried about your family not recognizing your true gender after your death, you need to make detailed plans for your funeral and for how you should be remembered. You may also be concerned about non-supportive family members contesting a will if you leave money to a romantic partner. All of these issues are things which you can discuss with your estate planning lawyer, who can help you to find the legal tools to address them.

What is Involved in LGBTQ Estate Planning?

LGBTQ estate planning is different for everyone, depending upon your age, your family situation, and your goals for the future. An experienced attorney at The Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. can provide you with comprehensive assistance. Our legal team can help to ensure you have taken advantage of the tools available under New York law to protect yourself and your loved ones. The process could include:

  • Creating a last will and testament.
  • Creating trusts.
  • Taking steps to avoid probate.
  • Taking steps to reduce or eliminate estate taxes.
  • Pre-planning a funeral.
  • Making provisions for guardianship of children.

These are just a few of the many different things that we can help you with. When you work with our legal team, we will discuss all of your goals with you, review any challenges that you face in securing your legacy, and assist you in putting together a detailed plan that addresses all of the necessary issues to be prepared for whatever life may throw at you.

How can an LGBTQ Estate Planning Lawyer Help?

The Law Office of Michael Robinson, P.C. has helped many clients with LGBTQ estate planning in the Finger Lakes, Rochester, Naples, Pittsford, and surrounding areas. We will assist you in setting estate planning goals, understanding risks and challenges, and taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Give us a call today at (585) 546-1734 to learn more about how we can help you.