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Home >> Estate Planning Articles >> Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages

Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages

October 28, 2015 by Robert Kulas.

Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages

 Compliments of Our Law Firm

Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys

In the past, many same-sex couples never focused on estate planning or even financial planning because they felt it was moot. The ways around those impossible and unfair laws were successful for some couples, in some states, and in some instances. This meant many died intestate, or, without a will. There was a certain sadness – an injustice – in these cases because it meant there was no memorialization of the lives many same-sex couples built for themselves. They were left with the reality of losing their loved one and then, adding insult to injury, they often also lost their assets, including their homes, to the deceased partner’s family, depending on any particular state’s intestacy laws.

Now, though, married same-sex couples are seeing for themselves the legal benefits that opposite sex couples have always had.

For instance, Social Security benefits are now available for same-sex married couples, including collecting Social Security retirement or disability benefits from a spouse’s earnings. Another benefit is found in estate planning. Even in the case of intestacy, married same-sex couples no longer risk losing their assets to their deceased spouse’s family of origin. Your estate planning lawyer can ensure you and your spouse avoid intestacy, but they can also show you other tax saving options that provide further protection for the surviving spouse.

One crucial aspect of estate planning is the power of attorney. These documents allow a spouse to make medical or financial decisions on behalf of the spouse who is incapacitated. Being married does not automatically result in such power. Powers of attorney are legal documents that are part of a complete estate plan. For example, if you have a bank account that is in your name only, an accident or illness does not put your spouse into the position of overseeing that account. Only the power of attorney would allow decision making rights to transfer to whomever is named in the document. A living will or healthcare directive is used to ensure your spouse or other person you designate can consent to medical treatments for you. These are important because when a same-sex person is medically incapacitated, there are often disagreements between the patient’s family and the person’s partner. Those disagreements or arguments are moot when a proper healthcare directive is in place.

As same-sex married couples are beginning to settle in with the many advantages the Supreme Court’s ruling provides, it’s important not to assume it’s all magically “fixed.” A meeting with a qualified estate planning attorney ensures you are taking advantage of all of the rights that had been denied in the past.

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Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

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Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family.

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"Everyone treated us extremely well.  Robert explained how a trust works and the benefits of having one.  We decided to move forward and complete the process.  He was very kind and knowledgeable.  Julie was also very helpful and very patient with our questions.  We felt very comfortable with this firm handling our affairs.  We would highly recommend this firm to our friends and family."

Janice M
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

Robert Kulas and staff made making a will an easy to understand process. They were very knowledgeable and attentive to my wishes. All my documents were provided in an organized binder which will be a great asset to my family. I would definitely recommend them.

Krissy L.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have worked with Mr. Kulas & staff before. And they are very professional. I am very satisfied with Mr. Kulas and his staff and give them the highest satisfaction and 5 star rating.

Leo C.
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Mr. Kulas and his staff have been extremely helpful & knowledgeable for the over 3 years we have been associated. They are easy to talk to and explain everything without feeling rushed. Very competent and professional.

Mildred W.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

I have known Robert Kulas for 20 years since I was co-executor for friends who had Mr. Kulas prepare a Trust for them. When I felt I needed a trust also, I came to him. I have always been completed satisfied with his work and that of his charming, competent staff.

Joan C.
Client Review
August 25, 2020
    

We began our estate plan process in 2004 (12 years ago) and have been pleased with the periodic reviews we have gone through and when changes have been needed the firm has been thorough and professional in making those changes.

L.G.K.
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