A marriage license is a powerful thing. It automatically gives each marriage partner and their children specific legal protections and benefits.
The U.S. General Accounting Office has identified at least 1,138 federal benefits, rights and privileges that are available only to couples with traditional marriages. In addition, the laws of most states give certain rights and privileges only to married couples.
The law makes legal strangers out of same-sex couples. As a result, it’s critical for same-sex couples and all lesbian/gay/transgender individuals to create specific plans that protect their rights and care for their families and loved ones.
In future posts, I’ll be discussing how Illinois residents can do just that.