Cincinnati Lawyer for Domestic Partners
Are Ohio laws keeping you from establishing the legal protections and benefits you want with your same sex partner?
Do you want to establish property rights with your partner without pursuing marriage?
The Law Office of Kenneth E. Peller keeps clients up to date on the changes in Ohio rights for domestic partners, same sex couples and unmarried heterosexual couples. Contact me to arrange a consultation to discuss your needs.
Like many other states, Ohio is experiencing a constant battle between people fighting for or against gay marriage or domestic partner rights. While some cities have taken a step forward by establishing domestic partnership registries (Cleveland, Toledo and Cleveland Heights), debate remains over whether these registries will be upheld by employers or medical professionals. Additional debates linger on the possibility that domestic partnership registries will be overturned altogether for allegedly violating the 2004 Marriage Amendment to Ohio's constitution.
Alternatives to Gain Legal Protections
Until the laws in Ohio and throughout the United States equalize the rights of same sex couples to those of married heterosexual couples, alternative protections can be obtained with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Effective estate planning can address many of the concerns same sex couples face:
- What if I am in the hospital and my family won't let my partner see me?
- What if I can't tell doctors my wishes and they won't listen to my partner about the kind of care I want (or do not want)?
- What if my family (who does not approve of my relationship) takes over my assets after I die — leaving my partner with nothing?
I assist clients in establishing important documents that provide same sex couples and unmarried heterosexual couples with some of the rights and protections otherwise afforded through marriage. One method many couples use to obtain enforceable property rights is to obtain a joint ownership title of assets. Additional protections can be obtained through the creation of wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, living wills and other documentation.
Helping Same Sex Partners Obtain Enforceable Rights
Contact me in Cincinnati, Ohio by calling 513-770-1237 to schedule an initial consultation. Do not hesitate to get in touch with me. I am always flexible to your needs and can accommodate your schedule by offering extended hours and weekend meetings when necessary.
