LGBTQ+ estate planning protects your partner, your children and your chosen family when default California law might not. At Tyre Law Group, it is a core part of our practice: we have a dedicated West Hollywood office, we host Plan With Pride workshops, and every plan is built around the family you actually have, not a template written for someone else.

Marriage equality became the law of the land in 2015, and that was a huge step forward. But much of estate planning law and many standard legal documents are still drafted with heterosexual, cisgender couples in mind. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, that gap can mean a partner shut out of medical decisions, a non-biological parent left without clear authority, or assets passing to relatives you did not choose. A thoughtful LGBTQ+ estate plan closes those gaps.

Why LGBTQ+ Families Benefit From a Specialized Approach

Every family deserves a plan, but LGBTQ+ families often face situations that a one-size-fits-all approach misses:

• Unmarried or domestic partners. If one partner dies without a plan, California’s intestate succession rules generally decide who inherits, and an unmarried partner is often not a legal heir, no matter how long you have been together.
• Chosen family. The people closest to you may not be related by blood or marriage. Your plan should name them clearly so your wishes are not overridden by default rules.
• Non-biological parents. When only one parent has a biological or adoptive link to a child, guardianship nominations and supporting documents become especially important.
• Family resistance. Some LGBTQ+ clients have relatives who may not respect their relationship or identity. A clear, legally sound plan reduces the room for disputes.
• Identity and dignity. Transgender, nonbinary and gender-fluid clients deserve documents that use correct names and pronouns, and decision-makers who will honor who they are.

Many traditional estate planning lawyers are not well equipped to handle these issues. We have made serving LGBTQ+ families a central part of our mission.

What an LGBTQ+ Estate Plan With Tyre Law Group Can Include

Depending on your goals and family structure, your plan may include:

• A revocable living trust to avoid probate, keep your affairs private and pass assets to the people you choose
• A pour-over will and guardianship nominations, including our Kids Protection Plan for families with minor children
• A durable financial power of attorney so your partner or trusted person can manage your finances if you cannot
• An advance health care directive and HIPAA authorization so the right person can speak with doctors and make medical decisions
• A funeral or disposition of remains directive naming who will handle your final arrangements
• A review of beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance

For answers to common questions, such as whether domestic partners have the same rights as spouses or how non-biological parents can protect their rights, see our LGBTQ+ Estate Planning FAQs.

A West Hollywood Office in the Heart of the Community

West Hollywood has long been a center of LGBTQ+ culture, history and activism, which is why we opened an office there. Our West Hollywood location is in the Red Building of the Pacific Design Center, and it offers the same full range of estate planning services as our other offices, with a team that understands the community it serves.

Prefer to meet closer to home? We also serve clients across Los Angeles County from our Covina and Pasadena locations.

Learn First: Plan With Pride Workshops and Our On-Demand Webinar

Not ready for a meeting yet? Our Plan With Pride workshops are free educational sessions on estate planning for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Check our events page for upcoming dates, or watch our LGBTQ+ estate planning webinar on demand whenever it suits you.

Guidance From a Certified Specialist

Our firm is led by Tony J. Tyre, Esq., a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of California attorneys. That expertise, combined with real understanding of LGBTQ+ families, means your plan is both legally sound and true to who you are.

Take the Next Step

Whether you are creating your first estate plan or updating one after marriage, a new child or a change in your relationship, we are here to help. Bring your questions about your partner, your children, your chosen family and your legacy.

Schedule a free 15-minute intro call or contact our West Hollywood office to get started on a plan that reflects your family, your values and your future.