Texas Life Planning Attorney
Recent Changes in the Law – On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in James Obergefell, et al., Petitioners v. Richard Hodges, Director, Ohio Department of Health, et. al In general terms, the Obergefell decision stands for the proposition that requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state. For Texas residents, the Obergefell decision cleared obstacles same-sex couples have long faced in creating effective estate planning and tax planning.
Tools to create effective estate and tax planning are now fully available to married same-sex couples which will benefit them in a way that until recently, only pertained to heterosexual marriages. Same-sex couples who are newly married, and those considering marriage, should contact the Law Offices of Jo Bess Jackson, P.C.. We can help you understand the impact that marriage will have on your estate planning, taxes and other benefits. We also are available to consult with your CPA and other planners.
At the Law Offices of Jo Bess Jackson, P.C., located in Dallas, Texas, we proudly assist same-sex couples evaluating the pros and cons of marriage, domestic partnerships, informal marriages and other options. For these and all families, we help evaluate choices about Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other planning needs. To find out more, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our firm has developed estate planning strategies that work to protect LGBT couples. In fact, for over 20 years, same sex couples and LGBT couples from throughout the state of Texas have sought Ms. Jackson’s counsel on same-sex estate planning. The estate planning tools which our firm utilizes in LGBT or same-sex estate planning include:
- Wills which state what property you own, who you want to receive that property at your death, and whether you wish for it to pass outright to the beneficiary or in a contingent trust.
- Trusts which allow you to control your property during your life, and possibly avoid or minimize certain estate taxes.
- Living wills and durable powers of attorney which define what medical treatment you want to receive in the event of your incapacity, and who shall carry out your wishes.
Our firm represents clients in complex estate planning, including issues related to estate taxation, business succession planning, and other complex wealth and ownership issues. We often work with our clients’ accountants, tax, financial, and wealth management advisors.
While Ms. Jackson has experience in highly complex estates, she is happy to draft more basic wills or trusts for an LGBT individual not in a relationship, or an LGBT individual with a child, grandchild or in a blended family.
For more information about estate planning for the LGBT community, and same-sex couples, contact the Law Offices of Jo Bess Jackson, P.C., to schedule a free initial consultation.
The Law Offices of Jo Bess Jackson represents clients throughout North Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, McKinney, Denton, Irving, Arlington, Garland, Dallas County, Collin County, Ellis County, Henderson County, Waxahachie, Sherman, Dennison, DFW, Wylie, Murphy, and the Mid-Cities. Please call (214) 219-2285.