Asset Protection for LGBTQ Couples
Estate Planning Attorney, Joseph McHugh has always been dedicated to providing assistance with Asset Protection for LGBTQ Couples or Individuals, whether married, living together, in Registered Domestic Partnerships, or in a partnership without legal status with ensuring their legal rights, Asset Protection, Personal Medical Decisions, Estate Planning or Elder Law concerns.
It is so important for any couple who wishes to plan for their future with their mate should consider several financial and legal steps that will help protect and provide for their loved ones in unforeseen or difficult situations. It is important to make your personal and financial wishes documented legally, so no one can make decisions for you if you are incapacitated or have passed away!
We are pleased to offer sound advice on protecting your assets and rights as a couple. Joseph McHugh and his staff are committed to the Estate Planning needs of and Asset Protection for LGBTQ couples. We offer free consultations to review your legal options.
Joseph McHugh is not only an estate attorney but also is experienced in considering asset protection and seniors that may need Medi-CAL for nursing home care, as well as being able to help unregistered domestic partners with their California Estate Planning. We are a great resource for “out of town family members” that are worried about their Los Angeles Area aging parents or other family members in need.
What Legal Services Provide Asset Protection for LGBTQ Couples?
We help Individuals and any Couple that are Married or NOT with the following Estate Planning Documents:
1. Most important legal document for a LGBTQ Couple is an Advanced Health Care Directive that gives each partner the right to be in the hospital room with the other partner and allows each partner to make health care decisions on the other’s behalf if one becomes incapacitated.
This document is a must whether married or not in case a couple travels to a place that does not recognize same-sex marriages! This allows your partner to be in the ICU at a hospital which generally only allows “family”!
2. Create Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements for any couple.
3. Create a WILL that directs distribution of assets to your partner or children or family.
4. Create a Power of Attorney to legally manage each other financial affair’s in case of mental incapacity.
5. Create a Trust to prevent Probate and to manage all assets, these legal documents can include issues regarding real estate, Guardianships of children, Pet Trusts for Pet Parents, assign Conservator if a Conservatorship is ever needed.
6. Medi-CAL Planning and other Long Term Care and Elder Law concerns
7. Asset Protection strategies
8. Probate and Conservator issues
Attorney Joseph McHugh and his skilled team will help you create the proper estate plan and update this plan if laws that affect you change or if your life circumstances change.
2013 California Laws Allow Same-Sex Marriages!
A large step toward equality for same-sex couples was taken on June 26, 2013 when the United States Supreme Court made two breakthrough decisions in favor of same-sex couple’s rights. In the first decision, the Defense of Marriage Act’s (DOMA) definition of marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman was ruled unconstitutional. The second decision came from a California case regarding Proposition 8, a plebiscite where voters approved a ban on same-sex marriages in California; when sent to a lower court, they too deemed the ban unconstitutional.
The hold that was placed upon same-sex marriages until a Supreme Court appeal could be filed has been lifted, and same-sex couples in California are currently acquiring marriage licenses, and finally being recognized by the government.
These unions are not just recognized; they are also allowing same-sex couples to receive the many benefits that opposite-sex couples have always received with a marriage, such as: the ability to make financial and health related decisions for a partner, estate or gift taxes, social security and Veteran benefits, as well as over 1,000 other benefits, just to name a few.
Please do not hesitate to contact LA Law Center for any and all of these concerns.
If you were asked, “What would happen to your estate if you were gone tomorrow?” We can help you have peace of mind and say “Yes. I know exactly what will happen and who will make decision for me and my estate!”
We are proud to be a part of the complete solution to your personal situation, not just the lawyers that create the legal documents.We understand the issues surrounding LGBTQ individuals or couples and what it takes legally to meet your needs and goals, while giving you the peace of mind that your rights as a couple are protected and your loved ones will be taken care of the way you wish.
Our Law Office is in Burbank; however, we serve many clients throughout the state and love an occasional road trip to help all of our clients, their family and friends.
We are very proud of the many personal and professional referrals we receive from happy clients and colleagues. Please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Call us for a free 30 minute initial consultation for our legal services at: (818) 241-4238. Or you can submit this form to request this free 30 minute consultation to determine if our services meet your needs.