Equality Press

By Forrest E. Pettengill III

Couples need to be aware of what it means to own property together and if it is in their best interest. There is no simple solution that fits every relationship. By learning the rules ahead of time, your financial situation will seem less daunting and everyone will be more at ease when you figure out what makes better sense for you.

Many gays, lesbians and other unmarried couples who’ve been together for some time usually unite as one unit under one roof. Sometimes one partner already owns a house and it’s natural that the other partner migrates there to live. Maybe neither own a home and they decide to purchase one together.

Of course, this allows for more time with one another and a sharing of the bills. One of you will probably take the role of being the “bill payer” and you start buying things together. One of you is bound to have a pet already but nevertheless you purchase one together. Your first pet together. Your child. Your family is starting to grow and gain roots. (more…)

By Susan Hassan, Esquire

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the NH Bar Association’s Bar News on July 5, 2002 and is reprinted with permission.

Advising Gay and Lesbian Clients
Estate Planning has become a priority for many following the horrific events of Sept. 11. In recent months, there have been numerous articles written on the subject, and experts can frequently be seen on television programs speaking about the necessity of estate planning.

As attorneys see an upswing in the number of clients interested in estate planning, they need to be mindful of the various estate-planning needs of the average client. In today’s world, however, there is no such thing as the “average client.” Typically, discussions on estate planning or probate matters assume that the clients are a husband and wife with a child or children. While it is true that the majority of estate-planning clients fit this profile, there are many non-traditional families and individuals who are becoming increasingly aware of the necessity of estate planning.

The law does not guarantee members of non-traditional families the same rights that are afforded traditional family members. For a non-traditional family to gain some protection, its members must be sure to spell out end-of-life decisions through advanced estate planning. This article highlights some of the points attorneys need to be aware of when helping non-traditional family members conduct estate planning. (more…)

By Anthony Aiken

On January 13th, I asked Jimmy to be my life partner. To say the least he and I have taken it very seriously. This commitment is shaped by us! Is made by us! And held together by us! Over the past few weeks, I think that the magnitude of the action of commitment has set in for both of us and our fears have come to the surface. I have thought about what I meant by committing to Jimmy. Reflecting on past commitments to individuals as well as to community I try and clarify what my actions have produced.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans and Allied community understanding of the word as a collective came about in 1969 with the Stonewall riots and in the 1980s with HIV. Back in 1985 when I came out, the community was in a state of fear. Some people ran and hid; others came out to support our dying brothers and sisters. At that time, I saw a great commitment to the individual and the community. People were putting their own selves aside to help people in need. (more…)