LGBTQ Estate Planning Lawyers in NJ & PA Helping Families Plan for the Future
A proper estate plan isn’t just for older people, wealthy people, or people with complicated financial interests. Estate planning is for everyone. LGBTQ individuals need to think about their estate planning needs to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of after they’re gone.
At Bratton Law Group, we understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ community and provide custom services to help you plan for your future. Our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers work closely with each client to create a plan tailored to their unique situation. We understand how important it is for our clients to protect both themselves and their families, and that’s why we take extra time to make sure all of your assets are accounted for when drafting your will or trust. Estate planning may seem like a heaping mountain of stress – our team works diligently to provide you with peace of mind. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community in New Jersey or Pennslyvania and need help with estate planning, look no further than Bratton Law Group. Call us today at 856 770 2744 to learn more about our services.
What is Estate Planning?
Proper estate planning is the process of constructing a plan that will determine how to best manage your assets and affairs after you die. It involves creating documents such as wills, trusts, and more that will provide for the tidy distribution of property or assets to those you designate in the event of your death or incapacity. Estate planning also includes tax planning so that individuals can maximize their wealth and minimize taxes during life and after death. We work with LGBTQ individuals and those in same-sex marriages to craft estate plans that simply work in their best interests. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us as soon as possible to lay the groundwork for a better future.
What Unique Challenges Does a Member of the LGBTQ Community Face When Estate Planning?
Members of the LGBTQ community often face unique legal challenges when estate planning. From special consideration for adopted children to intricate estate tax laws that vary due to same-sex marriage, LGBTQ estate planning can be complex.
A major concern when drawing up an estate plan is that same-sex couples may encounter difficulty passing inheritance rights legally to adopted children and/or non-biological children. This challenge can often be resolved by enlisting the services of an experienced LGBTQ estate planning attorney who has seen similar cases before and knows how to ensure legal protection for all members of the family unit.
In some cases, a member of the LGBTQ community may feel it necessary to hide their sexuality from their family or friends to protect themselves and their loved ones from discrimination and harassment. This could lead to difficult situations when attempting to pass down assets due to a lack of knowledge about existing relationship statuses. As a result, it’s important to work with an estate planning attorney who understands the complexity of family relationships in the LGBTQ community and can help ensure that all legal matters are taken care of properly and confidentially.
Why Should I Hire an LGBTQ Estate Planning Lawyer?
Members of the LGBTQ community need to have an estate plan that fully recognizes their relationship with their partner or other family members. An experienced LGBTQ estate planning lawyer from our law firm can ensure that all of your wishes and desires are respected.
LGBTQ estate planning attorneys understand the unique challenges that same-sex couples face when creating a comprehensive estate plan. While many people are enticed by the prospects of do-it-yourself solutions, the only way to guarantee a strong and valid estate plan is to team up with a knowledgeable LGBTQ estate planning lawyer. In many cases, trying to develop a will or other estate planning document without the help of a lawyer can lead to complications – including questions of its validity. Don’t leave the future up to chance. Get in touch with Bratton Law Group today for our trusted legal services and thorough guidance.
Can I Modify My Estate Plan if Life Changes Occur?
Life is never stagnant. There is always a revolving door of changes that can occur at any given moment. You may move to a new city, change jobs, start a family, or even separate from your partner after many years together. For LGBTQ individuals, estate planning lawyers understand the need for periodic updates to an existing estate plan to accommodate life circumstances. It is important to keep your estate plans up-to-date as these documents will provide direction upon death, illness, or incapacitation.
It’s recommended to review and update your plan every few years or if there is a major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or adoption. These milestones require adjustments within the language and structure of the document, which an experienced LGBTQ estate planning attorney can assist with. If you live near Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Brunswick, or nearby cities in PA and NJ, give Bratton Law Group a call today at 856 770 2744 to build the estate plan you need!