10 estate planning essentials every queer family needs to know
Because the courts don’t know your family. You do.
Estate planning is important for everyone — but for queer families, it’s even more essential. Why? Because our lives often don’t fit into the boxes the legal system expects. And when we don’t name our wishes clearly, the courts fall back on outdated defaults that can leave our people unprotected.
⚠️ Here’s what can go wrong without a plan:
Medical decisions may go to your biological family — not your partner — unless you’ve given them explicit legal authority.
Your partner may not have any rights to your estate if you’re unmarried — even if you’ve built a life together.
Your child could be placed with relatives you wouldn’t have picked if you haven’t named a legal guardian.
Chosen family members — like best friends or queer co-parents — won’t be recognized unless they’re listed in writing.
Outdated documents or legal mismatches with names and gender identity could delay decisions, trigger conflict, or lead to outcomes that go against your values.
That’s why this isn’t just about logistics. It’s about protecting the people we love — and honoring the lives we’ve worked hard to build. The good news? You can fix this.
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Protect the people you love — built for queer families like yours (and ours)
Who this is for…
The legal system wasn’t built for queer families. The reality is: many laws — and the people who enforce them — still operate under narrow assumptions about what a “real” family looks like. That can leave LGBTQIA+ people and families vulnerable in times of crisis, especially if you're…
✅ Unmarried or partnered without legal recognition
✅ Co-parenting outside of traditional adoption or biological structures
✅ Trans or nonbinary, with mismatched legal records
✅ Relying on chosen family instead of legal next-of-kin
✅ Living in a state where protections are being rolled back
If your plan isn’t in writing — the state gets to decide.
This guide helps you take that power back.
What’s inside…
10 clear steps every queer person or family should know, including:
👉 Why you need a trust and will
👉 How to name guardians, beneficiaries, and chosen family
👉 What to do if you’re planning IVF, adoption, or surrogacy
👉 Medical protections that don’t happen automatically
Planning ahead is more than a to-do list—it’s an act of care.
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What do you actually need to do after someone dies? From the first calls to closing accounts—this toolkit walks you through every step after a death.
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You don’t have to do this alone. Think of us as your personal COO—helping you navigate end-of-life logistics, make decisions with confidence, and design meaningful farewells.