With marriage equality now the law of the land, it’s essential for same sex couples to establish or revisit their estate plans

If you and your partner have made a commitment to one another, now is the time to discuss your estate planning needs with a seasoned Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney with a long history of advocating for the rights of those in the LGBTQ community. There are a number of issues and topics which should be discussed to ensure your wishes are carried out if you or your partner or spouse becomes incapacitated or passes away.

At The Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale estate planning attorney understands the reticence most people experience when it comes to this sensitive subject. However, as an estate planning attorney with nearly three decades of experience, we also understand how essential this planning is for you and your loved ones. We are well-equipped to assist you with all your estate planning needs with compassion and integrity, as well as a focus on the particular complexities unique to same sex couples. Our legal team serves Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach and all of Broward County.

Estate planning for same sex couples

Florida began recognizing same sex marriage in January of 2015. This opened the door to many new benefits for gay couples. However, the relative newness and the still-evolving interpretation of these laws makes it important for you to stay on top of the coming changes by retaining the services of a skilled attorney who concentrates solely on estate planning and probate, with a special focus on how these laws affect the LGBTQ community.

Common Topics to Cover:

• Spousal elective share
• Child custody/guardianship
• Homestead issues
• Social Security benefits
• IRA rollovers
• Income tax implications
• Inheritance rights
• Healthcare decisions

We outline how the changes in the law impact your union and expand on the legal rights of you and your spouse.

Are estate planning laws different for same sex couples?

Married same sex couples now have all the legal rights, privileges and protections as traditional married couples. For example, in Florida you now qualify for tenancy by the entirety which means that both you and your spouse own property as a whole, rather than a part or a share. This provides significant advantages in the context of creditor protections and also allows a surviving spouse to inherit property automatically when one spouse dies. However, if you and your partner choose not to marry, but see yourselves in a long-term relationship, you may still face some obstacles. Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer helps you overcome these challenges with an estate plan tailored to your specific needs. Some of the unique subjects that we can help you address include the following:

• Potential issues and challenges with children from prior unions
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Jointly held property planning

Our Fort Lauderdale estate planning lawyer is responsive to all your estate planning needs with a special emphasis on same sex couples

At The Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, P.A., our estate planning lawyer walks you through all the steps to consider when establishing a workable estate plan for you and your same sex spouse or partner. Call 954-761-7770 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.