Chicago LGBTQ+ Wills and Trusts Attorneys

Providing Dedicated Estate Planning Guidance for Chicago LGBTQ+ Individuals

An estimated 506,000 LGBTQ people over the age of 13 currently reside in Illinois, according to the Movement Achievement Project (MAP). The estimated number of LGBTQ+ adults living in Chicago was reported to be 146,000 in 2018 by the Chicago Department of Public Health. Estate planning is an essential step for all individuals and families. This process has become easier now for the LGBTQ+ community. Gay and lesbian couples who choose to marry can benefit from the legal protections afforded by marriage. We offer sound legal guidance and comprehensive estate planning services, including wills and trusts, to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Chicago.

Our Chicago LGBTQ+ wills and trusts lawyers at Nottage and Ward, LLP, offer a wide range of LGBTQ+ family law services. We understand how same-sex couples go through the same legal issues as heterosexual couples but may also face unique challenges. We know that careful estate planning can play a vital role in protecting your assets and your family. Our seasoned attorneys have more than 30 years of experience. At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we are knowledgeable of financial issues and sensitive to the overall needs of our clients.

Contact us at (312) 332-2915 for skilled legal assistance with LGBTQ+ wills and trusts.

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LGBTQ+ Specific Estate Planning Considerations

Proper estate planning is essential to ensure your wishes are carried out during your lifetime and your assets are passed along to your loved ones in the manner you desire after your death. This may be even more critical for same-sex couples and their families. There is a need for personalized, LGBTQ+-friendly estate planning solutions.

The legalization of same-sex marriage created new opportunities for gay and lesbian couples who marry to benefit from estate planning strategies that were once out of reach. However, for many couples who entered into legal unions before marriage was an option, estate planning challenges remain. For example, LGBTQ+ parents have unique estate planning concerns when only one partner is the biological parent. Should the biological parent pass away, the non-biological parent may want to seriously consider legally adopting the child to avoid a battle involving the allocation of parental responsibilities with a relative.

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Wills and Trusts for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Wills and trusts can be tailored to address the specific needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. They are both important estate planning documents that serve different purposes.

• Wills: Your will is the document that specifically states what happens to your property and money after you are deceased. It is used to appoint a personal representative of your estate, who will be responsible for ensuring your assets are divided according to your wishes. The document also allows you to name guardians for your children and to state your funeral and burial wishes.
• Trusts: While a will is only relevant after you are deceased, a trust becomes effective immediately after it is executed. It allows you to distribute property while you are still alive. You designate a trustee, an individual or institution who holds legal title to the property involved for the beneficiaries you choose. A trust also allows you to plan for disability.

A validly executed will is essential for estate planning purposes. Without it, your property passes to your heirs after your death according to the laws of intestate succession. A trust is a vehicle that can help you minimize or eliminate exposure to estate taxes, help your beneficiaries limit probate costs, help protect your assets, and give you more control over inheritances.

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Inclusive Estate Planning Support You Can Trust

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we have extensive experience in providing estate planning services to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. We have a reputation for delivering rational answers to emotional decisions.

The well-being of our clients is our top priority, and our Chicago attorneys are well-versed in handling various legal matters that affect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Contact us at (312) 332-2915 for wills, trusts, and other estate planning legal services.

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