More than a month – Why wills and LPAs matter for the LGBTQ+ community beyond June

At Furley Page, our commitment to you doesn’t stop when the rainbow flags are packed away.

Pride Month each June is a powerful celebration of identity, progress, and resilience. But as solicitors, we recognise that for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, legal protection isn’t just a seasonal talking point, it’s a year-round necessity.

Whatever the month, your relationships and choices for yourself, your property and your finances deserve to be protected by law.  That starts with putting in place two key documents: a will and lasting powers of attorney (LPAs).

Why these documents matter so much

Many people still assume that if something happens to them, their partner or family will “just take care of things.” Unfortunately, the law isn’t always that simple, especially for LGBTQ+ people, whose family structures or support systems may fall outside traditional assumptions.

Without a will or lasting power of attorney

• Unmarried partners have no automatic inheritance rights
• A person you trust may be excluded from medical decisions
• Estranged family members may end up with control, against your wishes

This can result in conflict, distress, and costly court applications at the very worst of times.

Why you need a will

A professionally drafted will ensures:

• Your partner, whether married or not, inherits what you want them to
• You can leave gifts to friends or chosen family, not just blood relatives
• You appoint trusted Executors to manage your estate
• You express your funeral wishes or guardianship preferences for children

Why you need a lasting power of attorney (LPA)

Lasting powers of attorney allow someone you trust to act if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. They come in two forms:

• Property and financial affairs LPA – for managing your money, bills, property, and bank accounts
• Health and welfare LPA – for decisions about your care, treatment, or where you live

These documents are especially important if:

• You’re in a same-sex or non-married relationship
• You want to avoid interference from estranged relatives
• You have a strong support network of friends who know you best

Planning is protection

We know from working with LGBTQ+ clients that many have faced past legal or institutional discrimination, or have complicated family dynamics. Putting your legal affairs in order isn’t just paperwork, it’s a powerful act of self-determination. It ensures your voice is heard even if you can’t speak for yourself.

Our promise – we’re here year-round. At Furley Page, we don’t just wave the flag in June. We offer:

• A welcoming, inclusive environment where your life choices are respected
• Solicitors who take time to understand your relationships and concerns
• Specialist advice with no judgment, jargon, or assumptions

Whether you’re married, partnered, single, or building your own version of family, we’re here to help you make your wishes legally binding — today, tomorrow, and beyond Pride Month.

Ready to take control? Protect your future with a professionally drafted will and lasting power of attorney.

Contact our Francesca Hayward in our Private Client Team on 01227 763939.