Resources
Digital Estates
So many aspects of our lives are now online - make sure that your digital life isn't lost if you become ill or die.
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You Can Now Tell Google What to Do with Your Account in the Afterlife
Google has launched this service on its account setting page to give user options with their account when it’s been inactive for an extended period of time.
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Digital Death and Afterlife Online Services List
The Digital Beyond is a great list of online services that are designed to help you plan for your digital death and afterlife or memorialize loved ones.
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Plan Your Digital Afterlife with Inactive Account Manager (Google Public Policy Blog)
More information on Google's Inactive Account Manager.
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Estate Planning
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Estate Planning for Young Adults
Everyone over the age of 18 needs at least some basic estate planning documents in place.
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Making Alzheimer's End-of-Life Healthcare Decisions Long Before You Need Them
Important healthcare decisions to consider early on, some of which should be included in your Advance Health Care Directives.
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California Healthcare Directive Registry
California offers the option to register your advance health care directive with the state.
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Interested in Registering As An Organ Donor?
Click the link above for more information or to register.
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International Estate Planning
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Pitfalls to Watch Out For In US-UK Estate & Tax Planning
Living Trusts are a great option in California, but this is not the case in all jurisdictions. If you have property outside of the US, it may require extra planning.
Pets
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Click the link above to learn more.
LGBTQIA+
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Fact Sheets Put Together By Lambda Legal: After DOMA: What It Means For You
14 Fact Sheets on Bankruptcy, FAFSA, Federal Employee Benefits, Family Medical Leave Act, Immigration, Medicaid, Medicare, Military Spousal Benefits, Private Employment Benefits, Social Security, SSI, Federal Taxes, TANF, & Veteran Spousal Benefits.
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AFER Guide to Possible Outcomes of Prop 8
This is a great graphic put together by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, explaining all of the potential outcomes of the Supreme Court's Prop 8 decision.
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Hospital Visitation Guide for LGBTQIA Families
As of January 18, 2011 federal regulations provide certain protections to hospital patients.
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Same-sex Couples May Want to File a Protective Tax Refund Claim with the IRS
Filing a Protective Tax Refund Claim now with the IRS could potentially save you a lot of money on income, estate, and gift taxes if Windsor is upheld (and DOMA is struck down) by the Supreme Court!
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This guide contains a variety of useful information for LGBT seniors.
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IRS Publication 555: Community Property
Information from the IRS for straight and same-sex couples living in community property states, including California.
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LGBT Couples May Be Making This Mistake on Their Tax Returns
In 2018, 35 percent of same-sex married couples were uncertain about their tax-filing status
Mistakenly filing as “married, separately” will result in the loss of certain tax breaks for married couples
If you are in a registered domestic partnership in California, you may file as married on state tax returns, but not on federal returns
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IRS, updated September 2022
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Tax and Estate Strategies Update for Married LGBTQ Couples
Epic Capital Wealth Management
Information on community property laws and separate property for married couples
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Survivors Benefits for Same-Sex Partners
Social Security Administration
If in a same-sex relationship with a partner who passed away, you may qualify for Social Security survivors benefits based on partner’s earning record
May qualify for benefits if you meet any of the following:
You would have been married at the time of your partner’s death if unconstitutional state laws hadn’t prevented you from marrying
You would have been married longer, but unconstitutional state laws prevented you from marrying sooner
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Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples After the Respect for Marriage Act
Respect for Marriage Act is the first federal law to recognize same-sex marriages
New federal recognition allows same-sex married couples to receive the same spousal benefits as opposite-sex couples
Joint-property rights
Exemptions on state and federal estate taxes
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Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in California
Lambda Legal's Q&A on same-sex marriage in California after Prop 8 and DOMA.
Lambda Legal Decision Day Teleconference Recording
Listen to Lambda Legal's Decision Day Teleconference, featuring in-depth analysis on the decisions in DOMA and Prop 8 by Legal Director Jon W. Davidson and Lambda Legal Law and Policy Project Director Jennifer C. Pizer. Executive Director Kevin Cathcart.
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