Hi Tamara,

I'd like to see an article that really breaks down for the reader the most important impact from the marriage ban. What restrictions, if any, do a couple have to worry about? (I am researching some of this myself on in terms of health care and access.)

And, conversely, I think it would be great to come up with a legal checklist for the single LGBT person. I think that single and particularly aging single LGBT people are often out of the loop in terms of information. It would be great to talk about things they need to think about, like wills and POAs, and how that approach is different from a couple's approach (I believe it would be).

Thanks for doing what you do, it's incredibly helpful!

I don't think I read all your previous columns, so I'm not sure if this was covered.

The legal aspects of parenting in Wisconsin would be of interest to me, regardless of the method used to become a parent. There are similar issues for singles and couples regarding what happens in the event of the death of the parent(s).

But I agree also that an article on arrangements that LGBT singles and couples should consider (and the importance of keeping them current, especially for things like beneficiary designations on items that allow such a thing).

A how-to for same-sex couples when it comes to rights and benefits that straight couples get by marrying. Medical power of attorney, etc., and some sense of what it all would cost.

Tamara,

As a single gay man, I wonder what are the legal aspects of naming a friend (out of state) to be in charge of my affairs in a will.

Another concerns is if you receive money from a trust from a deceased relative, and there is still money in the trust can you instruct through your will where the money should go?

Also aspects of medical emergency. On my application form (job) and other applications for loans, it asks who to check off in case of emergency. With no family and just new to the area, how does one address this?

If a single person becomes injured, who does one direct to carry on the bill paying, dog care, and to determine the aspects of a living will with no living relatives or ones that won't associate with you because of problems they have with your sexual orientation?

Thanks

Marcus

1. What things do two or more unmarried people need to consider in purchasing and owning real estate, (whether as a couple unrecognized by law or simply those combining their financial resources to live in a property they own)? This is a timely topic as this is a good time to be buying, with prices down, many frozen with fear, good inventory, and long-term interest rates still near historic lows. However, for many of us without a legal spouse, we do not have the financial resources to buy property on our own. So how do we undertake such a purchase prudently?

2. Second to the idea of a check list of things couples need to handle by legal documents, which otherwise might be covered by marriage law, including wills, powers-of-attorney, pensions, and the like.

3. Second also to the idea of how do those of us without partners, whose best friend lives hundreds of miles from Madison, take care of and protect ourselves in the event of serious illness, incapacity or death?

Geoffrey

Thanks, everyone! You've given me ideas that will last for the next year (or more). Some I had on my own list, some I did not. Regarding estate planning, I've asked a colleague who focuses her practice on estate planning to "guest" for me in the legal column later this year. She'll be able to give a good overview of what same-sex couples can do to protect their relationship with wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and titling of property.

Tamara