Category Archives: Common Questions

Does Illinois Recognize a Same-Sex Marriage from Another State?

No.  As of this writing, Illinois law prohibits a marriage between two people of the same sex and does not recognize a same-sex marriage performed in a state where it is legal, for example, Massachusetts. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states that “a marriage between 2 individuals of the same sex” is…

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Pension Benefits for Same-Sex Couples

Dennis Engelhard and Kelly Glossip were life partners for almost 15 years.   They owned a home together.  Glossip’s teenage son from a previous marriage, before Glossip came out as gay, considered Engelhard a stepfather.  But Glossip will not be receiving survivor’s benefits from Engelhard’s pension. Engelhard, a 10-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol,…

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Tool # 6 in the Life Planning Toolbox – Real Estate Ownership Arrangements

By Sandra J. Slaga

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Tool # 5 in the Life Planning Toolbox – the Will

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…

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Life Planning – Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender People and People Living With HIV

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 your loved ones…

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