{"id":354815,"date":"2022-06-13T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T14:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/the-importance-of-wills-for-non-traditional-families.html"},"modified":"2026-06-10T13:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T18:57:00","slug":"the-importance-of-wills-for-non-traditional-families","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/the-importance-of-wills-for-non-traditional-families.html","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Wills for Non-Traditional and LGBTQ+ Families"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Importance of Wills for Non-Traditional and LGBTQ+ Families<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Non\u2011traditional families often face legal gaps that make it essential to have a will<\/span> and advance directives in place. A will<\/span> lets you decide who inherits your property and cares for your children, helping protect partners or chosen family<\/span> who might otherwise be excluded under state laws. Advance directives help ensure your medical wishes are honored and name who can make decisions for you if you can\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Without a will<\/span>, state law may exclude the people you consider family. This makes a\u00a0will<\/span>\u00a0essential to protect your\u00a0chosen family<\/span>\u00a0and honor your wishes.<\/p>\n

This article covers the importance of wills<\/span> and advance directives for non-traditional and LGBTQ+ families<\/span>. Keep reading to learn why it’s critical you have these documents in place, unique considerations for\u00a0non-traditional families<\/span>, how to find legal help<\/a> or DIY options, and more.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s a Non-Traditional Family<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

The concept of \u201cfamily\u201d has changed over the years. Historically, the norm for a family was a husband and wife, and likely at least one or two children. That\u2019s no longer the case. It\u2019s increasingly common to encounter non-traditional family<\/span> structures. This can look like:<\/p>\n