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Depressing, but something came up that makes me want to remind LGBT to get a will and get power of attorney. While same-sex marriage is legal, there are still states that recognize that closest blood relative (not spouse) designates what happens to deceased's property. 1/n
And these things can be contested across state lines. If you live in California, and your nearest blood relative is in some backwards flyover state, that relative could challenge for control of estate. Even if the estate is just a vinyl collection, a cat and some books. 2/n
A will and power of attorney can be a really powerful bulwark against that. It's not quite iron clad, but it stands to reason that both those documents aren't going to buckle against a court challenge.
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If you don't want to work out a will and/or power of attorney, at the very least hammer out a cohabitation agreement with your SO(s). It can help steer a legal discussion the way you intend (at the time of agreement being made). It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing. 4/n
If you do go in the direction of will and PoA, also look into setting up a trust. A trust is even harder to contest than a will. It's also something you can create now and use without interruption. No accounts held in escrow. No temp forfeiture of property. 5/n
You need a health care proxy. You absolutely still need a health care proxy. Even if you're married, again, some states will default to nearest blood relative. 6/n
You also need a clear medical directive - living will, DNR, etc. And file copies with your local hospital, keep copies at home, keep copies in a safe deposit box, keep copies with your lawyer. Because again, states may default to nearest blood relative. 7/n
If you need help finding how to file these things or need help finding an LGBT friendly attorney, please contact the National Center for Lesbian Rights @NCLRights ( http://www.nclrights.org/legal-help/ ). And please get all of this done ASAP. Even if you aren't in a relationship. fin/8
