The political landscape can shift quickly—and with it, the legal protections many families rely on. For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, the possibility of a second Trump administration brings heightened concerns about the future of civil rights, family recognition, and access to healthcare.
Estate planning becomes more than a financial strategy in this context. It’s a form of security, resistance, and empowerment.
Even with nationwide marriage equality, LGBTQ+ families still face unique legal gaps—especially around parental rights, medical decision-making, and inheritance. In a time when some political leaders advocate rolling back protections, having strong legal documents in place can help ensure your family’s rights are respected regardless of who’s in power.
For many LGBTQ+ families, one parent may not be biologically related to the child—or adoption laws may create barriers. In these cases, it's crucial to take legal steps to affirm parental relationships:
These tools help prevent painful custody battles or court decisions that ignore your chosen family’s reality.
Without proper documents, your assets may not go to the person you intend. Many state laws still prioritize biological relatives, which could leave your partner or chosen family members with no legal claim.
Protect your financial future with:
Trusts are especially useful for keeping things private and avoiding probate delays. They also allow you to include loved ones who may not be legally related but are essential to your life.
During emergencies, having the right legal documents can be the difference between being at your partner’s bedside or being shut out entirely.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals form deep, lifelong bonds outside of traditional family structures. Without legal documentation, these chosen families may be completely unrecognized in the eyes of the law.
Estate planning allows you to:
In a time of political unpredictability, creating a comprehensive estate plan is a powerful act of self-determination. It lets you define your family, assert your values, and protect your loved ones—regardless of changes in leadership or public policy.
We’re Here to Help You Build Your Shield
At The Werner Law Firm, our knowledgeable estate planning attorneys believe every family deserves legal protection—no matter what it looks like. We’re proud to support LGBTQ+ clients in creating estate plans that reflect their lives, values, and future goals.
If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.
You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.
Reference: Barron’s (March 26, 2025) "Wealthspire’s Steve Branton: Advice for LGBTQ+ Clients Worried About Changes Under Trump 2.0"
Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner, The Werner Law Firm and our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your matter, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. Through our Werner Law Firm Difference, our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one
If you’re looking into taking care of your estate planning, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.
