07-09-2010, 02:54 AM
KeaauRich said: Some same-sex and transgender families consult attorneys to draw up legal documents such as powers of attorney, co-parenting agreements and wills, that will at least permit them to declare who they wish to make health care and financial decisions for them if they become incapacitated; how they wish to share parenting responsibilities or, in the event of a breakup, custody of a child; and what they want to happen to their property when they die. However, these are not a substitute for legal protection under law and cannot provide the broad range of benefits and protections provided by law.
ME: Correct! And in fact, depending on the place in this country, all the legal documents you have listed could be contested in the various courts, like family court by a blood relative who disagreed with the parental arrangement with the mate regarding a minor child; or, by blood relatives in civil court who disagreed with the wishes of the dead partner. A federal law in support of civil unions which was also supported in each state accordingly would remove that threat in those places where it exists. There is a double standard; no equality.
“A penny saved is a government oversight.”
ME: Correct! And in fact, depending on the place in this country, all the legal documents you have listed could be contested in the various courts, like family court by a blood relative who disagreed with the parental arrangement with the mate regarding a minor child; or, by blood relatives in civil court who disagreed with the wishes of the dead partner. A federal law in support of civil unions which was also supported in each state accordingly would remove that threat in those places where it exists. There is a double standard; no equality.
“A penny saved is a government oversight.”
"Q might have done the right thing for the wrong reason, perhaps we need a good kick in our complacency to get us ready for what's ahead" -- Captain Picard, to Guinan (Q Who?)