The United States Supreme Court is considering the issue of same sex marriage. Regardless of how the case turns out, same sex couples should proceed to create estate plans. In fact, they should not wait for the Court’s decision.
Many states have legalized same sex marriage, which gives same sex couples equal inheritance rights in those states. However, many other states have not done so and same sex couples in those states need to provide for each other in carefully crafted estate plans.
Even though the Supreme Court is set to decide the issue, same sex couples cannot wait to do their estate planning.
Recently, the Nashville Business Journal published “4 key steps to creating a formal estate plan for same-sex couples.”
The list includes:
- Create the basic documents – The first step is to create the basics such as wills and powers of attorney.
- Review and adjust beneficiary designations – Life insurance and retirement account beneficiaries need to be adjusted.
- Consider Joint Ownership – Couples can hold important property jointly so the surviving partner will automatically inherit the property. Think personal residence.
- Consider using a trust – Trusts can be used to make sure property is divided the way that you see fit.
Of course, it should go without saying that all of the above should be done with the assistance of an estate planning attorney for the best results.
Reference: Nashville Business Journal (April 24, 2015) “4 key steps to creating a formal estate plan for same-sex couples.”
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