Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Lane3 who wrote (21371)	8/10/2001 3:13:47 PM
From: Constant Reader	Respond to of 82486

There are standard forms readily available - most libraries probably have "how-to" books and samples. One does not need an attorney to create any of those documents. A good attorney could draft a tighter, more individualized, document, but most use boilerplates. As I said, any couple can have problems with blood relatives interfering with their decisions. That said, rare indeed would be the judge (local or state) who would ignore overwhelming documentation of the patient's preference. Granting someone medical and/or general power of attorney, as well as trusteeship in the event of incapacity, is pretty convincing. Many couples (straight and gay) specifically exclude their blood relatives' interference, some spelling out in great detail the reasons for the exclusion. This is not so much an access problem as one caused by lack of information, misinformation, and a widespread belief that "it can't happen to me/us." Almost all of the presumed security offered by state recognition to a legally married couple can be obtained elsewhere by unmarried couples. Employer-provided family health care has been an important exception, but is becoming less important as more and more companies, and government entities, grant partners benefits.

To: Lane3 who wrote (21371)	8/10/2001 3:26:59 PM
From: The Philosopher	Respond to of 82486

It seems to me, this kind of security is a lot of what the gay marriage movement is about. In my experience, no. I have dealt with the breakup of gay relationships (well, technically, lesbian). They knew that they could have done all that by documents--wills, contracts, etc.--but just didn't bother. What the movement is about, from what I have seen, are two things. Legally, the right to benefits, intestate rights, and other rights that can't be secured by contract or agreement. Societally, acceptance of their lifestyle as equal to the marital lifestyle.