Protecting Your Property
At Brinkman & Associates we assist non-traditional families in protecting their property as much as possible under the constraints of Ohio law. We highly recommend that people in domestic partnerships each obtain a power of attorney, a health care power of attorney, a living will and a last will and testament.
Our lawyers are sensitive to the needs and wants of the members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community and will prepare the legal documents that are designed to provide many of the same civil rights and protections offered by marriage.
Joint Ownership of Assets
Domestic partnership agreements and cohabitation agreements may be enforceable in civil court, but they are not an ironclad solution to protecting your property. Often the only way to protect your property rights is to make sure the title to your home, car, bank accounts and other assets are in both of your names.
A Proactive Approach
If you are in a domestic partnership, we recommend that you print out and re-sign your will with an attorney as your witness once each year. It's a simple act that can prevent challenges to your will by others who may object to your relationship and want your property for themselves. Re-signing your will annually can be used to show that you are of sound mind each time you reaffirm the decisions documented in your will.
In addition to advising members of the GLBT community, we are available to protect the interests of any couple who is living together without the legal protections of marriage.
To arrange a consultation about how we may be of assistance to you, please contact our office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Call toll free 866-761-7660.
