Estate Planning For LGBTQ Individuals And Families

While estate planning is important for all individuals, LGBTQ individuals, couples and their families have particular incentive to plan their estates deliberately. Without enforceable, written planning in place, the personal and financial affairs of LGBTQ people are subject to legal “default” rules that were not designed with their needs in mind.

The lawyers of Bieber & Lubinski, PLLC, have over 40 years of combined legal experience with estate planning, including helping same-sex couples in Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties and throughout Michigan.

What Happens Without An Estate Plan?

Michigan’s legal default rules favor relationships based upon court-recognized marital or biological ties and do not currently recognize LGBTQ relationships between unrelated loved ones or friends. Although same-sex couples may now marry, the default rules may still thwart the intentions of many LGBTQ individuals and couples. Estate planning remains important even for LGBTQ people whose closest relationships are with their biological family because deliberate estate planning guides and assists those who step into your shoes in the event of disability or death.

When you ignore these matters and become disabled or die without a legally enforceable, written estate plan of your own, Michigan law “writes” your estate plan for you and decides who is in charge and who gets what. The person closest to you could be shut out of decision-making in your greatest time of need. The key to enforcing your personal desires is proper planning and preparation.

Call For Legal Advice You Can Trust

Contact the offices of Bieber & Lubinski, PLLC, at 586-754-1450 or contact us online and let us put our decades of experience to work to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Our main office is in Center Line, in the heart of Warren, Michigan.