Introduction.

• Pages: #2003

This packet contains information and sample forms regarding essential estate planning documents that everyone should have in place. Although these issues may be difficult to talk about, it is important for all people--and particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people--to consider what should happen if they become seriously ill or incapacitated, and to put in place documents reflecting these wishes. Without such documents in place, your partner could be excluded from visiting you in the hospital and could have no say in medical decisions regarding your care. If your partner dies, as hard as that may be to allow yourself to imagine, you may have no say over her or his burial or cremation, you may lose all the belongings you acquired together, you may lose the home you've shared for years.

The good news is it doesn't have to be that way. By filling out some simple documents, you and your partner...