Marriage is an exciting time for any couple, but in recent months, that excitement may have reignited with GLBT couples, when the Supreme Court ruled this past June that all states must recognize the marriage of same-sex couples.
For newly married GLBT couples, this may mean some more paperwork and planning of your wills and estates. Prior to being married, the chances were that your drafted documents would list your significant other as beneficiary or executor of medical decisions or childcare etc. but with the new laws, after your marriage, it’s a good idea to revisit these kinds of documents and have them revised as a married couple.
There are many decisions that a couple faces when estate planning, such as who should be in charge to manage affairs if you are incapacitated, as well as who should make medical decisions if you are unable to make them for yourself. There are things like power of attorney, which can be invaluable if you become incapacitated. Deciding who you want to make your decisions before something happens, is an important, if difficult step. There is also the matter of custody of children. This comes into play in many families, especially blended ones. Deciding who should take care of children from previous and current relationships is vital so that you know your wishes will be taken care of.
Drafting “living wills” and power of attorney documents alone can seem a daunting, or even impossible, task. Speak with one of our experienced Estate Planning Attorneys today to put a plan in place for your peace of mind .
