LGBT

If you are married or in a state that recognizes civil unions or domestic partnerships and you register as such, proof of such registration would be sufficient. Otherwise, you would need to have your spouse or partner designate you as agent under their Health Care Power … [Read more...] about How can I be sure that I will be allowed to visit my spouse or partner in the hospital or assisted living facility?

If you are in a marriage, registered domestic partnership, or civil union, recognized by the state in which you live, your spouse or partner can make those decisions for you. If you are not in a registered relationship, or that relationship is not recognized by your … [Read more...] about Can my spouse or partner make medical decisions for me if I’m sick?

No, you have to do estate planning in order to allow your spouse or partner to have that authority. Specifically, by designating your spouse or partner as agent under a General Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney, he or she can make decisions on your behalf regarding … [Read more...] about Can my spouse or partner handle my financial affairs if I am incapacitated?

There are many important reasons to create an estate plan, such as avoiding probate, minimizing taxes and providing creditor and divorce protection for beneficiaries. … [Read more...] about I’m married, why do I need to plan

No. These various relationships affect state law rights and responsibilities only in the states which recognize them. Only marriage is respected by the federal government. … [Read more...] about Does domestic partnership or civil union provide all the benefits of marriage?