Criminal Cases

Many underestimate the value of having a gay or lesbian attorney advocate for you after arrest. Because honesty and candor are central to a strong attorney-client relationship, its important to have an attorney with whom you can be open, without fear of being judged.  Circumstances surrounding an arrest may pertain specifically with your identity as gay, lesbian or transgender, and the ability to discuss these issues openly not only gives you less anxiety, but their revelation may lead to positive outcomes in your case.

 

Whether you are being charged with domestic violence, drug possession, DUI, or other felony and misdemeanor offenses, rest assured that you will be free from judgment and have an advocate who will fiercely confront any judicial discrimination head-on.  Derek grew up facing the same biases and discrimination that all of us in the LGBT community have faced, and as a result he takes to heart the responsibility of representing gay, lesbian and transgender clients with unparalleled dignity and respect.

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The Gage Law Firm appreciates the needs of all of our clients, and as a gay, lesbian or transgender member of our community, you can be sure that you will be treated with respect, not ignorance.  Give us a call and experience the special way we take care of our LGBT clients.

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For more resources available to Atlanta's gay community, visit the non-affiliated site, Georgia Equality.

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Wills and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples and Gay Families

The United States Supreme Court changed the landscape of same-sex marriage in it's Windsor and Obergefell decisions.  Where once our marriages were considered either sub-par to heterosexual marriages, or in many cases non-existent, we now have been placed in many ways on the same plane as our straight friends.  However, many of us have yet to be married, or choose not to marry, our long-term partners.  If you are in a same-sex relationship, regardless of whether or not your have married, it is critical that you plan for your passing. 

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Thankfully, Georgia respects the intent of the testator when he or she has drafted a will in most instances, regardless of your sexual orientation.  So, if you indicate in your will that you wish your assets to go to your spouse or partner, they will, absent a meritorious legal challenge.  You can pick whomever you want to leave property, and in almost every case you can exclude individuals from receiving your assets, as well.  And while the recent Supreme Court decisions have changed the rules of intestacy for those of us who have married, it's important that you direct where you want your assets to go, especially in cases of contingency.  A proper estate plan will ensure your loved ones are cared for when you pass.

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Complications often arise concerning children and guardianship after you pass.  The Gage Law Firm can thoroughly discuss the options, and potential pitfalls, regarding your children's fate after your death. This is of particular importance in cases where one or both spouses have children from a prior marriage, and in cases where one partner has adopted a child but the other has not.  While a testamentary guardian can be nominated in a will, Georgia law overrides some of these nominations under specific circumstances.  You should know yours, so that you have a clear understanding of how securely you can protect your child's future upon your passing and if there is anything you might want to do beforehand to make your plan stronger.

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Our Estate Planning Packages for gay and lesbian families include wills, as well as healthcare directives and durable powers of attorney for each partner to ensure that your affairs can be tended by your loved one in the event you are unable to do so.

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We assist our clients in the following areas:

• Wills

• Codicils (Will Revisions)

• Living Wills

• Healthcare Directives (Pursuant to the Georgia Advance Directive for Healthcare)

• Durable Powers of Attorney for Healthcare and Finances

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At The Gage Law Firm, we recommend discussing a complete estate plan for you, your partner, and your family.  Our LGBT Estate Planning Package provides for both partner's needs and includes (1) a full consultation, (2) drafting of wills for both you and your partner, (3) drafting of healthcare directives and living will, and (4) drafting of powers of attorney to ensure that your partner can tend to your finances and other matters in the event you are incapacitated.  In most cases, a full estate plan can be completed within 4-5 weeks of the initial consultation and, if necessary, faster.

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Visit our Wills and Estate Planning page, or contact us today to learn how we can protect your loved ones and give you peace of mind!

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