*  Gay and lesbian wills and trusts

In Florida, last wills are not filed until death.
Living Trusts can provide an extra level of privacy.
Trusts do not need to be recorded; but some are.
Even if you make a trust, you need a Last Will.
Describe your relationship with your Life Partner as more than roommates.
Although out-of-state agents may serve in certain capacities, appointing residents of Florida is usually preferred; and depending on your family dynamics may be required.

*  LGBT powers of attorney

Not all powers of attorney are durable.  Make sure yours is.
Some powers are limited or special while others are general.
Depending on whether you pool your assets and other considerations you and your life partner may limit the time when your power of attorney becomes effective.

* Lesbian and gay living wills

Remember Terri Schiavo?
Put your living will wishes in writing.
Designating a health care surrogate alone is not enough.
Do you want one person or several to speak on your behalf?
Are the persons you name comfortable speaking with physicians?
If you name conditions specifically, what happens if you have one that is not listed?
Have you taken measures to guarantee that you will not feel pain when the health care professionals remove life support, if that is your choice?
Should you name surrogates who live outside of Florida as alternates?

* Dead Human Body

Are you familiar with Florida's Statutes regarding who is permitted access to your dead human body?
If you have no specific writing, will those persons carry out your wishes?
Have you discussed traditional burial versus cremation with your partner?
Do you want your partner to disburse ashes immediately after you die or together with your partner at their death?
Who gets custody of your ashes?
Who controls the actual funeral arrangements and service?
Are there religious concerns?
Have you addressed these and other concerns within your declaration?

* Probate

Will you need probate?
Who pays your partner's bills at their death?
What if creditors attempt to collect from homestead property?  How did you title your real estate?
Did either of you file bankruptcy and how could that affect property?

* Pet trusts

Who makes certain your pets are cared for?
Are there guarantees or safeguards?
Will they be cremated and buried with you?
What if you acquire additional pets or your current ones predecease you?

*  Name changes

Can I do this myself?
Should I hyphenate my name?
Why did the courthouse clerk read me the riot act when I showed him or her my same-sex marriage license from another state which changed my name?
Does the court care what name I choose?
Will the name change affect my kids in Florida?

*  Injunctions for domestic violence

I have no written partnership agreement with my partner and we have a house in both of our names.
Why did the court temporarily enjoin me from living in a house which I believe is one half mine?
Will I ever be able to live in my own home if neither one of us can refinance it into one name and we have to sell it?
How long will it take for my partner to realize that selling the house for a loss or filing bankruptcy might be our only options?
Is stalking covered under domestic violence?
Why was or was not the injunction granted when my testimony was given against my ex-partner's testimony?

*  Mediation

Is mediation the same as alternative dispute resolution?
Do I have to participate in mediation if the court order it?
Is mediation cheaper than litigation and when does it make sense to mediate?
If I choose not to mediate, what might I gain from litigation or lose from litigation? test