Rhode Island LGBT Estate Planning Attorney

Rhode Island Estate Planning Lawyer Helping LGBT Clients

The law in Rhode Island has still not caught up to our evolving society. As a result, certain protections and rights have not been put into place yet by the legislature to protect LGBT families and relationships. However, this does not mean these groups do not have legal avenues available to them.

At the Corbett Law Office, located in Providence, Rhode Island, we are here to help nontraditional families protect their interests by creatively using the legal options available to them when it comes to their estate planning needs. To learn more about our services, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney.

Estate Planning for All Families

Attorney Christopher P. Corbett is dedicated to helping gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples who want to plan for their future. Many of the current estate planning documents used by the rest of society can be adopted to protect these couples and families just as if they were married. For instance, parties can draft wills and trusts, guardianships, living wills and powers of attorney that name their partner as beneficiaries and give them decision-making power should they become incapacitated.

Additionally, a partner can be named as guardian in case the other partner should predecease them or become incapacitated and there are minor children involved. The probate court must acknowledge the wishes of the ward, and this document will be used as evidence to show intent. Second-parent adoptions are also an option to ensure that both partners have decision-making authority and rights to physical custody.

Another important legal tool that can be used to help LGBT couples plan for the future is contract law. We can transfer property in both partners' names through a quitclaim deed, joint title, or draft a contract that clarifies what will happen to property jointly acquired during a relationship, should the relationship end. A contract can ensure equitable distribution of the property since currently family law courts will not decide dissolution cases for same-sex couples, but superior court will acknowledge the terms of an agreement under current Rhode Island contract law.

By using the legal tools available to you, you will be able to avoid conflict and heartbreak later on. For instance, if you do not have a will in place, then your biological family or next of kin would be awarded custody of any minor children and beneficiaries of your estate as a default position. Proper estate planning documents and contracts can rebut this presumption and make sure your wishes are honored.

To assert and protect these rights, contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation to learn how we can help you with all your estate planning needs. We also offer evening and weekend appointments.

Corbett Law Office
CalArt Tower
400 Reservoir Avenue
Suite 3B
Providence, RI 02907
Phone: 401-467-9850
Fax: 401-941-8001

corbettlawoffice@yahoo.com
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