Happy Pride Month from all of us at Nexus Law! This month is about honoring identity, celebrating love, and supporting families in all their beautiful forms. It’s also the perfect time to talk about something often overlooked but incredibly important—estate planning for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families.

Pride month Estate Planning — Source: Unsplash

Despite significant progress, including the nationwide recognition of marriage equality through Obergefell v. Hodges, many in the LGBTQIA+ community still face legal challenges that can deeply impact their families, finances, and futures. The good news? With thoughtful legal planning, you can create strong protections that truly reflect your values and relationships.

Understanding the Legal Gaps LGBTQIA+ Families Face

Even with progress in LGBTQIA+ rights, laws vary by state—and that creates uncertainty. While marriage equality was a crucial milestone, it didn’t solve everything.

For example, in some states, the rights of non-biological parents in same-sex relationships may not be automatically recognized. Healthcare decisions can be legally challenged by estranged family members. If assets don’t have the correct designations, they may go to distant relatives instead of a long-term partner.

Studies show that LGBTQIA+ adults are less likely to have estate plans in place than their heterosexual counterparts, making the community more vulnerable to legal complications. The truth is, marriage alone doesn’t guarantee full protection. But with a personalized estate plan through Nexus Law, you can build legal safeguards that reflect your life and your love.

Traditional Estate Planning vs. Life & Legacy Planning

Traditional estate planning usually focuses on basic documents like wills and powers of attorney. While important, this “check-the-box” approach often misses key protections—especially for LGBTQIA+ families.

For example, a standard will might reflect your wishes, but it won’t avoid probate, a public legal process where decisions can be contested by family members. And these traditional plans often go untouched for years, even as life circumstances and laws change.

At Nexus Law, we take a different approach with what we call Life & Legacy Planning. This method is personalized, ongoing, and built for real life. It not only accounts for your financial assets but also protects your values, relationships, and the people you love most.

What Makes Life & Legacy Planning Different

Here’s how our approach stands out:

Education First: We start by helping you understand what would happen to you and your loved ones if you didn’t have a plan. That knowledge helps you make empowered decisions.
Comprehensive Asset Inventory: We help you create a clear, complete list of all your assets—from your home to your digital presence.
Healthcare Decisions Covered: We ensure your chosen healthcare advocate can legally speak for you without unnecessary hurdles.
Built to Evolve: Your plan is reviewed and updated as your life or the law changes—so it works when it’s needed most.
Personalized Protections: We tailor your plan to your identity, relationships, and goals, creating peace of mind through intentional, inclusive legal strategies.

Key Legal Tools for LGBTQIA+ Families

Some protections are especially important for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families. Here are a few we focus on at Nexus Law:

Healthcare Documents: A healthcare power of attorney and living will ensure your partner or chosen person can make medical decisions if you cannot—and prevent unwanted interference.
Financial Powers of Attorney: These allow your chosen person to access finances and manage accounts if you’re ever incapacitated.
Inheritance Planning: Even if you’re married, creating a trust helps avoid probate, keeps your wishes private, and protects your assets from being redirected.
Non-Traditional Family Protection: For couples raising children together, we can help secure second-parent adoption, guardianship designations, and parenting agreements.
Digital Legacy Planning: Your online accounts, digital files, and cryptocurrency need just as much care—so your legacy, even in the digital space, is protected.

The Planning Process at Nexus Law

Working with us begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session, where we explore what matters most to you and create a plan that reflects your wishes. Whether you’re married, in a long-term partnership, co-parenting, or newly engaged, we’ll help you understand what would happen under current laws—and build a plan that ensures your choices are honored.

Once your plan is in place, we don’t disappear. Life changes, and so should your plan. We’ll revisit it regularly, updating it as your life evolves so it stays strong and relevant.

Take Pride in Your Protection

Pride Month is a celebration—but it’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the people you love. At Nexus Law, we’re here to help you build a legal foundation that reflects your values and protects your legacy—no matter how laws or systems shift in the future.

Take the first step toward peace of mind today.
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This article is a service of Nexus Law, PLLC. We don’t just draft documents; we guide you in making empowered, informed choices that protect your life, your legacy, and the people you love. Every Life & Legacy Planning Session at Nexus Law is designed to help you get more organized than ever before and create a plan that actually works when it matters most.

Pride Month & Protection: Why Estate Planning Matters for LGBTQIA+ Families