Five Considerations for Estate Planning in a Same Sex Marriage

The recent decision that has been made by the Supreme court, which prevents states from banning gay marriage, will affect the estate planning for a lot of individuals. Here are a handful of things that you should be aware of as an adviser that have changed, as this information is going to be very important for these types of clients. Healthcare In the past, gay marriage couples were not afforded the health benefits that same sex couples receive. Same sex married couples are able to cover each other through one employers health plan and this is completely new to gay […]

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Planned Parenthood Controversy Trumps Gay Marriage Debate for Republican Candidates

During the debate held a few days ago at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena proved that the gay marriage debate was no longer the hot topic for the GOP Presidential candidates. Planned Parenthood was the controversial social issue at hand that trumped gay marriage. Planned Parenthood has taken the front stage at the debate with the controversy over how they handle fetal tissue and if their treatment is considered lawful. Abortion was a hot social topic years ago, but it is being honed in on again by GOP candidates. Although Planned Parenthood and abortion are front and center for the controversial […]

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IRS, Gay Marriage, and College

Since the Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage, many things have been the cause of worry. Most recently, the thing that’s causing worry is whether or not the IRS will take action over tax exemptions for colleges. Some colleges, such as Brigham Young University, have a religious standard that their students must follow. In many cases, gay marriage is not part of that. Colleges that are not allowing students to participate in gay marriage are worried that the IRS will take their tax exemptions away. Right now, the tax exemptions for religious colleges and colleges alike are classified as educational […]

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South Dakota Taking an Undesirable Approach to Gay Marriage

While the ban on gay marriage was lifted back on June 26th in South Dakota, thanks to a ruling from the Supreme Court, that language that is part of the state’s legal code is still in place. It could take as much as an election that is state wide in order to clear this verbiage. In essence, the language is harmless and it can no longer be legally enforced but there are many people who are pushing to have the language removed in order to solidify the decision. It is unfortunate but true that the legislature in South Dakota is […]

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Breaking New Ground with Gay Divorce

2015 has been an interesting year, with the recent Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriages. With this monumental step towards equality brings a new issue: same-sex divorce. With any marriage, there is always an inherent risk of divorce. And every divorce, whether in a traditional marriage or a non-traditional marriage, has the propensity to be messy and complicated. Fortunately though, for a straight couple looking to end their marriage, divorces have been taking place for years and there is a level of consistency to the proceedings. There is an approved process in every single state for handling a divorce between […]

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Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples

Same-sex couples can be facing different concerns when it comes to estate planning. The following are some of the major issues that these couples may face, and tips for consideration. A Will: Having a will is the most common part of an estate plan. Many people are able to create a will without the help of an attorney. A will can determine the following: who receives your assets when you die who will be named guardian over minor children announce an executor If you are not married, or your state does not recognize your marriage, having a will can help […]

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LGBT Estate Planning

All couples should think about doing an estate plan. Same-sex couples more so because even though the United States Supreme Court said all states must allow same-sex marriage does not mean all states recognize that marriage. Allowing states to ignore the laws that were enacted to protect married couples and their possessions. By having an estate plan clarify the exact nature of the relationship for those that don’t understand or approve. By having an estate plan deals with legal issues such as who gets what when one partner dies, who has the legal right to make medical decisions if a […]

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The Evolution of Gay Marriages in America

Before the year 2013, the Federal Government considered same-sex marriage as illegal under the Defense of Marriage Act, abbreviated as DOMA. In June 2013, DOMA’s definition of marriage was rendered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. To date, several states acknowledge and license same-sex marriages with many others allowing limited rights to gay marriages. The turn of events first occurred following a landmark ruling of the highest court of Massachusetts. In the decision made in November 2003, the prohibition of gay marriage was said to be unconstitutional. The first state in America to provide marriage licenses to gay couples was Massachusetts […]

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Same Sex Divorce Not Same Priced as Traditional Divorce

Now that thirteen states have legalized same-sex marriage, the enviable aftermath is some couples are now filing for divorce. Unfortunately, most courts are having a hard time just getting the marriage side of the relationship right. The break-up side is unfamiliar terrain for both judges and lawyers, especially if there are children involved. A problem with child custody is that at least one, and often both parents are not the child’s biological parent. While no one thinks that their marriage will fail, many do not take pro-active steps such as legally adopting the child so that clear boundaries can be […]

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