GLBT Issues
It is absolutely critical for gays and lesbians to have valid end-of-life documents that clearly express their wishes. If a person dies without a valid will, a complex set of state laws known as "intestacy laws" automatically directs who will inherit your property, beginning with your biological family. Moreover, an ambiguously-worded will can be challenged by family members in probate court. Probate laws generally provide that if a person dies without a will, that person's property goes to family, rather than a partner he or she had a relationship with for years or even decades.