In Florida, state law prevents marriage for gay or same-sex couples. However, in certain cities and counties in our state, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) couples—as well as heterosexual couples who want to live together but do not wish to marry—are legally eligible for some of the same rights as married couples through domestic partnership agreements.
Orlando cohabitation and domestic partnership lawyers at TK Law guide and represent clients who, short of marriage, seek legally recognized cohabitation agreements between committed individuals that define rights, obligations and certain personal responsibilities to each other.
Our attorneys have considerable experience drafting domestic partnership agreements that best represent our clients’ rights. More importantly, TK Law also offers strategic estate planning services to committed couples, in order to accomplish comprehensive legal needs and protections beyond what domestic partnership registries can offer.
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
Domestic Partnership Protections
It is wise to set forth a clear understanding on matters involving your household. In Florida, a domestic partnership can be formed by both heterosexual and same-sex couples. Because domestic partnership registries are established in various counties or cities throughout the state (rather than one registry for all of Florida) the registration becomes ineffective outside of that jurisdiction. Currently in Central Florida, registries exist for the cities of Orlando, Tampa and Tavares, and Volusia County. Registries are also offered in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
It is a good decision to seek the advice of a knowledgeable family law and estate planning lawyer to get a full understanding of all available legal and practical options for your specific situation.
Through domestic partnership registries, and depending upon the Florida jurisdiction in which you reside, you and your partner may be able to clarify the following limited rights as a couple:
- The legal ability to visit each other in jail
- Healthcare visitation and healthcare decision-making
- Funeral and burial decisions
- Emergency notifications of partners
- Designation of pre-need guardian
- Share in decision-making efforts regarding a partner’s minor children
Cohabitating agreements must be drafted correctly to avoid tax implications and be airtight against any future disputes. An attorney at TK Law is knowledgeable in the laws that apply to domestic partnership agreements.
Estate Planning offers Protection for Same Sex Florida Couples
Cohabitation and domestic partnership agreements are limited in their legal protections. For this reason, TK Law drafts important estate planning documents for same sex couples and for heterosexual couples who choose not to marry.
A basic estate plan can protect you and your loved one, as well as your children, in matters of wealth, assets, real property, business interests, parental rights, healthcare advance directives and more while you are living, and in the event of incapacity or death. We are here to help you carefully and strategically plan ahead for healthcare and medical decisions, tax issues, guardianship needs, powers of attorney, insurance issues and the specific transfer of wealth and property. A well-crafted estate plan will legally protect you no matter what city, county or state you live in.
We ensure our clients of professional and skilled representation. Contact TK Law today so we can begin planning for you. We can be reached at 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
Supplementing a Domestic Partnership with an Estate Plan
While Florida’s courts tend to honor cohabitation and domestic partnership agreements, you may have more peace of mind if you have a lawyer prepare supplemental documents to support the domestic partnership agreement. Additional estate planning documents defining property, assets, transfer of wealth, health care and end of life decisions, financial obligations and more include:
- Living trusts
- Irrevocable trusts
- Will
- Living wills or health care directives
- Durable power of attorney
- Designation of health care surrogate
- HIPAA authorization
- Pre-need guardian designation
- Life insurance policies with specific beneficiary
Even though same sex couples in Florida cannot legally marry, there are many things our family law attorneys can help you do in order to protect you and your loved ones legally, including adoption and surrogacy. For more information, please contact TK Law today.
Our attorneys routinely practice business law and estate planning, so we are able to combine that experience with our knowledge regarding family law to offer clients inclusive guidance in all areas. We truly aim to be your attorney for all legal matters in your life.