ATTORNEY SAUL KOBRICK ATTENDS CONFERENCE ADDRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Saul Kobrick attended The New York University Law School Annual Luncheon which was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City on January 28, 2011. During this meeting the keynote speaker, David Boies, discussed the importance of Marriage Equality under the law.

Attorney Saul Kobrick believes strongly in continuing education and found this topic to be particularly important when it comes to proper estate planning for his non-traditional clients.

Mr. Kobrick explains, “Preparing an Estate Plan is important for everyone, but it is especially critical for same sex couples, because they face a variety of biased laws that prevent them from receiving the same benefits and protections that married couples enjoy.”

An example of these discriminatory laws is the New York State Intestacy Law which does not provide inheritance rights to domestic partners. This means, that if an individual from a domestic partnership passes away without having done any planning, assets that may have been intended for their partner may be distributed to other relatives- or in some cases- the state.

Even when there is a will in place, there are also those family members that just don’t approve of the lifestyle, and will show up at the probate proceeding to challenge the will, with the assets possibly going to the wrong people.

Will legislation finally be passed that allows for same sex marriage in New York- or at the very least awards same-sex couples the right to form a civil union, giving domestic partners the same inheritance rights as married couples? Only time will tell. As the laws currently stand in New York these issues remain a concern for non-traditional families. The good news is that these challenges can be avoided with proper planning, but it is crucial that unmarried or same-sex couples set up an estate plan that will address these issues and provide for the people they love.

About Our Firm: The Law Offices of Saul Kobrick, P.C. devotes its practice to estate planning, probate, and elder law matters. We offer guidance and assistance to members of the GLBT Community on their unique estate planning needs. For more information about our services, or upcoming seminars, please call (800) 295-1917, or visit our website at www.kobricklaw.com. You can also follow us online through any of our social media channels- including Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and YouTube.