Yes. If you’re part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community, a Living Trust offers protection for your estate, as well. It will completely eliminate a living probate, a death probate, and you can minimize or eliminate estate taxes. Further, it provides … [Read more...] about Is a Living Trust a good idea for a LGBTQ person?
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Do unmarried couples have to plan more than married couples do?
Yes. The default in state law, called “intestacy,” is designed with married couples in mind. If a married couple dies without any estate plan, the survivor will get a good portion of the assets left behind. However, if you’ve not married, or you are in a state that does … [Read more...] about Do unmarried couples have to plan more than married couples do?
Are my estate planning documents a matter of public record?
Only your Will is a matter of public record. Your Revocable Living Trust and your Powers of Attorney are not public. Therefore, by using a Revocable Living Trust you can maintain the privacy of your wishes. Prying eyes of co-workers and neighbors will not have access to … [Read more...] about Are my estate planning documents a matter of public record?
Is there a tax if I give some of my property to my spouse or partner?
Maybe. Federal law allows married couples to give each other an unlimited amount of property without gift tax during life or estate tax at death. Federal law does not recognize non-marriage relationships. However, each person gets to give up to his or her tax exclusion … [Read more...] about Is there a tax if I give some of my property to my spouse or partner?
Will my spouse or partner be appointed guardian of my minor child?
Unless your spouse or partner has adopted your minor children, a court would decide what would be in the child’s best interest. Typically, your family of origin and that of the child’s other biological parent are given preference by the court. However, in your last … [Read more...] about Will my spouse or partner be appointed guardian of my minor child?
Can I make decisions about my spouse or partner’s remains?
Yes, if you are married or in a registered relationship and in a state which recognizes that relationship. However, if you’re either, i) not married or in a registered relationship, or ii) you are in a state which does not recognize that registered relationship, then … [Read more...] about Can I make decisions about my spouse or partner’s remains?