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Same-Sex Legal Kit For Dummies: A Clear-cut Guide to LGBT Legal Issues

Same-sex couples face arguably the biggest human rights issue of our generation, but the fight does not end at the altar. Aside from marriage laws, it is important for same-sex couples to be knowledgeable on their states’ tax, finance, healthcare and adoption laws as those too can impact their future.

Same-Sex Legal Kit For Dummies®(Wiley, 978-1-118-39521-9, Nov. 2012) is a straightforward, easy-to-read guide to the legal information and guidance LGBT people, whether single or coupled, need —from making practical decisions about living together and obtaining domestic partner benefits, to making medical decisions, taking care of each other's finances when one partner is incapacitated, leaving property to each other, having and raising children, and much more.

The book addresses some of the issues and questions same sex couples may face, such as: 

  • The difference between a “Civil Union” and a “Marriage” from a legal standpoint
  • How to use legal documents such as partnership and parenting agreements, deeds, and wills, when state and federal laws do not recognize the rights of same-sex couples
  • Purchasing Life Insurance policies
  • Obtaining a mortgage or joint loans in states with no legal recognition of same-sex partners
  • How same-sex couples are treated in the military, even after the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy
  • The options for same-sex couples seeking to build a family.

The information contained in Same-Sex Legal Kit For Dummies is invaluable for anyone in a same-sex relationship who needs to grasp the laws and regulations that apply to their unique situation.