Wisconsin Allows Same-Sex Couples to Proceed with Estate Plans

August 28, 2009

On August 3, the state of Wisconsin said that it would allow same-sex couples to apply for domestic partnership declarations. This means that gay or lesbian couples would be allowed to create joint estate plans and leave their assets and belongings to a partner after death. It would also allow one partner to sue for wrongful death on behalf of the wrongfully deceased partner.

Estate planning experts are excited about the new opportunities provided by the new law. Now, homosexual couples will be able to create wills and living wills to leave to their domestic partners. More than 400 couples have already applied and officials believe that many more will register, once they learn that their wills and estate plans can now be revised to include their domestic partners.

Many lawyers are encouraging their gay and lesbian clients to check out the new law, which is the addition to the Ch. 770 in the Wisconsin Statutes for more information.