By Sandra J. Slaga
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Author Archives: Sandra Slaga
Tool # 6 in the Life Planning Toolbox – Real Estate Ownership Arrangements
Published on January 20, 2010 by Sandra Slaga
Tool # 5 in the Life Planning Toolbox – the Will
Published on January 18, 2010 by Sandra Slaga
You die. You left no will. Maybe you were too busy or just kept putting it off. Maybe you thought you didn’t have enough property or money to justify having a will.
For LGBT persons, a will is not optional. Dying without a will guarantees that your property will be automatically distributed to your legal heirs, [...]
Tool # 4 in the Life Planning Toolbox – Beneficiary Designations
Published on January 7, 2010 by Sandra Slaga
Have you considered life insurance as a way to provide for your loved ones if you die unexpectedly?
Who do you want to receive the benefits of your life insurance when you die?
If you have a company pension, 401(k), 403(b), IRA or other retirement assets, who will receive them when you die?
It’s easy to forget whom [...]
Tool # 3 in the Life Planning Toolbox – the Living Will
Published on December 17, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
What are your wishes if you are in a persistent vegetative state or have a terminal condition, and death is imminent?
Do you feel strongly about resuscitation, insertion tubes or other life-sustaining procedures?
How do you best ensure that your wishes are honored?
A Living Will is not a last will and testament. It is a written statement [...]
Tool # 2 in the Life Planning Toolbox – Financial Power of Attorney
Published on December 9, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
You’re critically injured or seriously ill. Or for some other reason you can’t handle your financial matters.
Do you have a plan in place?
Who will take care of paying your bills?
How will your paycheck or other checks get cashed?
In Illinois this document is known as a power of attorney for property. It’s also known as a [...]
Tool # 1 in the Life Plan Toolbox – Medical Power of Attorney
Published on December 7, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
You are in a serious accident or are sick enough to be hospitalized – you can’t make medical decisions for yourself.
Who will make decisions when the doctors ask?
Without the proper legal document, the first relative who arrives at the hospital may be called upon to make critical and personal medical decisions.
In one case, hospital staff [...]
Life Planning – Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender People and People Living With HIV
Published on December 2, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
As an LGBT person or a person living with HIV, do you have a Life Plan Toolbox? Would you get into a boat going out on Lake Michigan without a life preserver? Would you let your loved one do so? If your answer is no, then why would you allow you and [...]
Medical Care Decisions for Gay and Lesbian Partners
Published on November 17, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
Being able to step in and make medical decisions for a seriously ill spouse is unquestioned. Being able to do so for a seriously ill gay partner is not. Unlike married couples, same-sex couples have no legal rights or protection without clear legal documents that spell them out.
To be certain that medical decisions stay in [...]
Maine Voters Veto Same-Sex Marriage Law
Published on November 4, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
Maine voters narrowly decided to repeal a new law allowing same-sex marriage. With almost all precincts reporting, 53 percent voted to overturn the law and 47 percent voted to keep it.
The bill was signed into law in May, but same-sex marriage opponents gathered more than the 55,000 signatures necessary to call for a public vote. [...]
Maine Voters to Decide on Same-Sex Marriage
Published on November 2, 2009 by Sandra Slaga
Maine voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to overturn a law allowing same-sex marriage. The law was passed last May and signed by Gov. John E. Baldacci (D).
Question 1 on the ballot is titled “An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.” The question reads: “Do you want [...]