Florida Estate Planning Lawyer Blog

A federal judge in Pennsylvania has been asked to determine whether the same-sex wife or parents of an attorney at the law firm of Cozen O’Connor should be the beneficiaries of the attorney’s profit-sharing plan. The parents of the deceased partner argue that an ERISA qualified plan falls under federal law and the U.S. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) limiting marriage to only a man and a woman controls whether same-sex couples can receive federal benefits

The wife of the deceased attorney argues that Pennsylvania law does not preclude her from being recognized as the surviving spouse for the purpose of receiving benefits under the plan. The wife states that the law firm profit-sharing plan is not governed by DOMA, and claims the profit-sharing plan is private and is controlled by the language in the plan.

To read more about this interesting case: Same-Sex Marriage Fight at Heart of Cozen O’Connor Benefits Case.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT), was adopted by Congress in 1996. On December 20, 2011 the the federal law banning openly gay people from serving in the military is repealed.

The President, Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman signed and submitted a one-page certification to Congress that the military is ready to implement the repeal of DADT.

Nearly two million troops have received training in preparation for the repeal of DADT. The Department of Defense stated that sexual orientation is a personal and private matter and that all service members should be treated with dignity and respect. The Defense Undersecretary reported that there will be “zero tolerance for harassment, violence or discrimination of any kind.”

It is crucial to make your heirs and family are aware of the

fact that there are documents in place and where these documents can be

found. Having your Florida estate planning documents prepared is the first step, and once you have made the call and scheduled a consult with an Atlantic Beach Estate Planning Attorney, you are sure to feel good about it. 

We the People of the United States, and of Jacksonville Florida in order to . . . promote the general welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty . . .sound familiar. The Constitution of the United States provides the core principals of American freedom for We the People.

The Right to Privacy, Freedom of Association, and the Right to Equal Protection under the Law. Unfortunately, many in the LGBT community do not have these same seemingly inherent protections. As a result proper planning and consultation with a Jacksonville Beach Attorney is a recommended plan of action. If the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes do not provide for equal protection for gay and lesbian individuals, then protecting oneself is crucial.

Some of the planning you need to consider are:

The lazy days of Jacksonville Beaches summer is a time to relax, enjoy the beach, and have a great time. Summer time is also the time to reflect. . . about your life, your partner, your children, and your future.

Don’t put off until tomorrow, the preparation of important documents dealing with important Florida Estate Planning Documents or those dealing with Gay and Lesbian Legal Issues that will protect both yourself, your partner, and your family.

Your Florida Will, a Florida Revocable Trust, a Florida Durable Power of Attorney, your Florida Living Will, a Designation of Health Care Surrogate. . . take the time this summer to think about your future and how important it is to have these documents prepared, because before you blink, Jacksonville summers turn into Florida Fall.