Estate Planning for the LGBTQ+ Community: What You Need to Know

June is Pride Month, which honors the journey, rights, and love of the LGBTQ+ community. And it may be over, but it’s still a good reminder and time to think about your future. One important way to do that is through estate planning.

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community in Lexington and Northern Kentucky, having a solid estate plan isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about protecting the life and relationships you’ve built. It gives you control over decisions about your health, property, and loved ones, especially in situations where the law might not reflect how you live.

Let’s talk about why this matters and what steps you can take to make sure your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected.

Why LGBTQ+ Estate Planning in Kentucky Is So Important

Even though same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, some things still aren’t automatic. If you don’t have certain legal documents in place, the state of Kentucky may make decisions for you, and they might not match what you would have chosen.

Without an estate plan:

• Your partner might not receive anything from your estate.
• A chosen family member could be left out of healthcare or financial decisions.
• Children who aren’t biologically yours could face legal hurdles.
• A distant relative could end up in charge of your assets, even if you’re estranged.

This isn’t just about avoiding legal red tape. It’s about making sure your identity and your relationships are respected—now and in the future.

Key Documents to Include in Your Estate Plan

You don’t need a huge estate to make planning worthwhile. Even simple legal steps can make a big difference. Here are some important documents every LGBTQ+ adult should consider:

1. Will

This outlines who gets your property and who will care for any dependents. Without a will, Kentucky’s laws take over, and they usually prioritize blood relatives, not chosen family or long-time partners.

2. Healthcare Power of Attorney & Living Will

These documents let you choose someone to make medical decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself. If you’re not close with your biological family, this is especially important.

3. Financial Power of Attorney

This gives someone you trust the legal right to manage your money if you’re unable to. It helps avoid delays and confusion, especially if that person isn’t a legal spouse.

4. Trusts

A trust helps manage and distribute your assets. It’s private, flexible, and can help your loved ones avoid going through probate court. This can be helpful if you have a blended family or want to keep things simple for your beneficiaries.

5. Parental Rights

If you and your partner are raising children, especially through adoption, surrogacy, or other non-traditional paths, it’s important to have documents that confirm your legal parental status. These documents help protect your child’s future.

Estate Planning Needs of Singles

Estate planning isn’t just for couples or parents. If you’re single or childfree, it’s still important to plan ahead. You can:

• Name someone you trust to handle your healthcare and finances
• Choose who receives your assets
• Leave gifts to causes you care about

Without these steps, Kentucky may pass your estate to distant relatives, or let the court decide who manages your affairs.

What About Domestic Partners or Chosen Family?

Marriage isn’t the only way to build a life together. Many LGBTQ+ people in Lexington have partners or close friends they consider family. But Kentucky doesn’t automatically recognize those relationships in legal matters.

That’s why it’s so important to:

• Include partners and chosen family in your will and legal documents
• Make sure they’re listed as your decision-makers for healthcare and finances
• Talk to an estate planning attorney who understands your goals

The people closest to you should be the ones making decisions and receiving your support, not someone the law picks by default.

Planning as a Way to Protect Your Identity and Values

Estate planning is about more than assets. It’s about being seen and heard. It’s about making sure your life and relationships are respected, no matter who you love or how your family is built.

When you have the right plan in place, you get to choose:

• Who speaks for you
• Who inherits your assets
• How you want to be remembered

That peace of mind is powerful.

Finding Someone to Represent You 

Even though Pride Month is over, now is the perfect time to take control of your future. If you’re in the Lexington & Fort Mitchell area and want to make sure your estate plan reflects your life, we’re here to help.

At Elder Law Lawyers, we often work with LGBTQ+ clients to create estate plans that reflect their lives and values. We know the legal system in Kentucky, and we take the time to understand what matters to you, without judgment or assumptions.

Protect What Matters Most With a Personalized Estate Plan from Elder Law Lawyers in Fort Mitchell & Lexington, KY

If you’re just starting out or need to update an old plan, we’ll help you put everything in writing with clarity and care. Our office is based in Lexington, and we proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across Northern Kentucky. Don’t wait; protect your assets, family, and identity with help from us at Elder Law Lawyers. 

Call us today at 859-543-0061 or schedule your consultation online.