Protecting LGBTQ Rights In Fort Lauderdale Against Legal Challenges

When it comes to your legal rights as a member of the LGBTQ community, living in Florida poses challenges. Legislators throughout the state have a history of holding strong views opposing same-sex marriage, and for many LGBTQ couples, it has been a long legal battle to protect their rights.

Unfortunately, in light of recent events, some of the most significant battles may lie ahead. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community or in a same-sex marriage, our Fort Lauderdale family attorney stands as a strong ally on your side, protecting your rights. Find out what you can do now to protect yourself against future legal challenges.

Part Of An LGBTQ Couple? Take These Steps Now

In June 2015, the Supreme Court case of Obergefell v. Hodges made same-sex marriage legal in the United States. Since then, additional legislation has helped protect the rights of people in the LGBTQ community, but there have always been challenges.

Unfortunately, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is currently tracking over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills, 14 of which are in Florida. If you are part of an LGBTQ couple, it is important to take steps now to protect yourself and your family against any legal challenges ahead. Our Fort Lauderdale family attorney recommends the following:

• Creating a will, specifying your partner as your beneficiary;
• Creating advance directives, authorizing them to make important health decisions if you are incapacitated;
• Designating them as your power of attorney, authorizing them to handle your financial affairs if you are unable to yourself;
• A postnuptial agreement, which details all marital property and how it gets divided between you in the event of a divorce or if the marriage otherwise ends;
• Stepparent adoption, which is vitally important if you and your partner have children.

Protecting Yourself Against LGBTQ Rights Challenges

Taking specific steps now can help protect you, your rights, and your financial security if LGBTQ rights get challenged in the coming months or years. Regardless of whether you are single, married, engaged, or considering a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, we encourage you to do the following:

• Know your current civil rights: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers guides on federal laws designed to protect you against discrimination or harassment.
• Consider how changes in LGBTQ laws might affect you: Are you planning on getting married? Consider entering into a prenuptial agreement and moving up the date. Are you on your partner’s health insurance? Look into getting your own coverage, just in case.
• Follow changes in state law: Keep track of anti-LBGTQ legislation through the ACLU website.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Family Attorney

Fort Lauderdale attorney Sandra Bonfiglio is a trusted legal ally for the LGBTQ community. Our office offers comprehensive client care and the highly skilled legal representation you need with stepparent adoptions, prenuptial agreements, and other legal actions that help protect you. To request a confidential consultation, give us a call or contact our Fort Lauderdale family attorney online today.

Sources:

britannica.com/event/Obergefell-v-Hodges

aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024?state=