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Wills and Probate advice for the LGBTQ+ Community

We pride ourselves on supporting people, whatever their background, identity or circumstances. Our team of trusted solicitors can guide you through the often complex procedures of creating a Will, giving you peace of mind and a clear plan for the future.

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Our team are very aware of, and sensitive to, the ongoing changes to the law surrounding same-sex relationships. For the LGBTQ+ community, it is vitally important to prepare a Will, to save any complications in the future.

Our LGBTQ+ Wills services include trusted advice and support for you and your family regarding:

  • Making a Will. We will prepare your Will to ensure that you know where you stand and have control over who inherits your estate after you pass away.
  • Making Lasting Powers of Attorney. We can register your partner to have the authority to make decisions if you are unable to. This is essential regarding finance and health issues.
  • Naming your Legal Next of Kin. We can help you to draft a Will that recognises your partner as your next of kin. This will safeguard your partner’s status if you are not married or in a civil partnership.
  • Resolving Family Disputes. We offer family mediation regarding any disagreements over your estate, between your partner and any other relatives.

 

How Wills Might Differ for Same-Sex Couples

 

Cohabiting Couples

We understand that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer couples live together without entering into a civil partnership or marriage. There is a common misconception that living together entitles you and your partner to legal security. 

If you die without a Will, your estate will be divided between your nearest relatives. Outside of a marriage or civil partnership, your partner will not be entitled to inherit anything that is not in your joint names. Our solicitors can help you to clarify your wishes in a legally binding Will.

Family Disputes

Sadly, there are some situations in which family members do not accept or recognise the validity of same-sex relationships. Even if you do leave a Will naming your partner as a beneficiary, your relatives may still dispute your estate. We are on your side every step of the way and can help to resolve Will disputes and ensure that your wishes are followed.

Adopted or Step-Children

Naming legal guardians and providing financial support for your children is one of the most important reasons to make a Will. This is especially relevant for LGBTQ+ Wills, where we may need to account for specific adoption rules and surrogacy laws. Before you become parents, anyone involved in a surrogacy agreement should make or update their Will. 

LGBTQ+ couples can name one another as Testamentary Guardians for any children they raise together, including children from a previous relationship. This is because only biological or adoptive parents can automatically become a child’s guardian. If only one parent is biologically related to the child, you will need a Will to name your partner as guardian. Our friendly solicitors are experts in creating legally binding Wills for modern families.

Contact us for LGBTQ+ Wills

Get in touch today, for specialised legal advice for same sex couples. Our Wills, Trusts and Probate team will help to give you peace of mind over the protection of your loved ones.

Call us on 0151 282 1700 if you have any questions or to discuss your circumstances and any associated legal issues. Alternatively;

Make an enquiry

And a member of the team will be in touch. 

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