LGBTQ+ Legal Issues
At Martin Law Office LLC, we recognize that members of the LGBTQ+ community have a diverse set of legal needs. We pride ourselves on working with the community to meet some of these diverse legal needs, as this area of law is a core principle for the founding of this law firm.
More Than 20 Years Of Experience
Additionally, because of our many years of practice experience in this area, if we are not able to help you with your specific legal needs, we will try to refer you to someone who can.
Some of the LGBTQ+ legal issues that we assist clients with are:
- Estate planning
- Designated beneficiary agreements
- Probate, trust, and estate administration
- Trust and probate estate litigation
“Jodi has always made time for my wife and I throughout the will process and made sure that we had a full understanding of everything. We needed some extra guidance since this was the first will for both of us. We are very pleased with Jodi and definitely recommend her.”
~Client Review
At Martin Law Office LLC, we strive to keep up with the ever-changing legal landscape for members of the LGBTQ+ community to include how to confirm and protect your future legacy with proper estate planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ+ Legal Issues
As a member of the Colorado LGBTQ+ community, you face different legal concerns than your heterosexual neighbors. Martin Law Office LLC is uniquely positioned to help you navigate your legal concerns.
What legal rights do same-sex couples have in Colorado?
Colorado state statutes and court rulings extend significant legal rights and protections to LGBTQ+ couples, including the legal right to marry and assorted legal rights related to the parent-child relationship including the ability to adopt.
You can also draft documents, such as estate planning documents and designated beneficiary agreements, that can help you and your partner support one another in challenging circumstances. An attorney familiar with your needs can help ensure you have the right legal documents in place.
Why is estate planning critical for LGBTQ+ couples/individuals?
Without an estate plan, state statutes dictate who inherits from an estate who has decision-making authority in an emergency, and who controls a variety of decisions for you when you are unable to do so.
Estate planning allows you to maintain some control over a variety of situations that may arise. You may need a will or trust to name your chosen beneficiaries.
You may need powers of attorney and other advance directives to address emergency support needs. An attorney familiar with LGBTQ+ estate planning needs can help you draft appropriate documents.
What purpose does a Colorado designated beneficiary agreement serve?
A designated beneficiary agreement creates a mutual arrangement where two unmarried individuals authorize each other to hold certain legal rights. These agreements typically relate to visitation and medical privacy rights in emergencies or inheritance rights when one of the individuals dies. In cases where LGBTQ+ couples are not legally married, drafting a designated beneficiary agreement with an attorney can provide invaluable protection.
How is probate different for LGBTQ+ people?
Particularly in cases involving nontraditional family structures or unmarried romantic partners, people may not have the inheritance rights and other legal protections they expect during estate administration (i.e. probate). You may need a lawyer’s insight to protect your loved ones and ensure you leave a meaningful legacy.
Can my legal documents reflect my chosen gender identity in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado allows you to update legal paperwork to reflect a change in name, preferred pronouns, and other unique details. You may need to review your wills, trusts and advance directives with an attorney familiar with LGBTQ+ legal matters to ensure everything is accurate.
Contact Us
If you are trying to determine your options for protecting your financial future and peace of mind, call our Boulder office 720-739-4875 today or use our online contact form, and let our experienced attorney assist you.