It is important for everyone to make sure you have your affairs in order and establish a solid estate plan for the sake of your loved ones. But LGBTQ+ seniors may face a unique set of challenges in the process of setting up a comprehensive plan.
Ultimately, contacting a Georgia estate planning attorney such as Marietta Estate Planning to help you navigate this process will ensure that your wishes are correctly laid out.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of making legal arrangements for the transfer of your assets after you die.
When you make a plan, you get to make decisions about what will happen to your money, property, and possessions.
Why Do Georgia LGBTQ+ Seniors Need an Estate Plan?
When it comes to estate planning, there are a few key reasons why LGBTQ+ seniors need to take action now.
- First and foremost, without proper planning, your loved ones could be left in a difficult situation after you die. They could struggle to access your assets or may not be able to make decisions on your behalf.
- Second, it’s sad to state that even in the year 2022, many LGBTQ+ seniors face a higher risk of discrimination and lack of care than their heterosexual counterparts, especially in Georgia. This means that you may be more likely to experience abuse or neglect in a nursing home or other long-term care setting without taking the proper precautions.
- Third, estate planning is an important way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you die. You can use estate planning to put in place a durable power of attorney for health care, as well as a will or trust that outlines your financial and legal wishes.
What are the Challenges of Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Seniors in Georgia?
Despite recent progress in LGBTQ+ rights, many seniors in the queer community still face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning.
For example, the specific needs of LGBTQ+ seniors can be difficult to address through traditional estate planning methods. Many older queer couples have not been able to marry or adopt children due to discrimination, so they may need to come up with creative solutions for passing on assets and providing for each other’s care.
Thankfully, there are a number of estate planning options available to LGBTQ+ seniors in Georgia. At Marietta Estate Planning, we have several experienced attorneys who understand the unique challenges faced by queer seniors and are ready to help you put your perfect plan into place.
What Should You Consider When Planning Your Estate?
There are certain aspects of an estate plan that everyone should consider when creating their personal plan. All of these steps are helpful, although not all essential, to making sure all aspects of your property are taken care of.
Here are some of the steps you should consider:
- Making a will.
- Creating a power of attorney.
- Naming guardians for your children or pets.
- Giving away all of your worldly possessions to those you love and trust most (this is one way to ensure they’ll be taken care of after you’re gone!).
- Considering how you want funeral arrangements handled, including burial or cremation, as well as whether you want an open-casket viewing or not.
- Thinking about what kind of legacy you want to leave behind, such as charitable donations or other ways to give back to society.
- Talking to your loved ones about your wishes for the future.
Contact Marietta Estate Planning today
At Marietta Estate Planning, our experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by different members of the Georgia community when it comes to estate planning. We can help you plan your estate and ensure that those closest to you are taken care of in the event of your passing.
Whether it is creating a will or naming guardians for children or pets, our legal team has got you covered. Contact us today.
