Having a valid, up‑to‑date Will is one of the most important ways to make sure the people you trust are the ones who will carry out your wishes when you die.
For many LGBTQIA+ community members, particularly those with little or no contact with their biological families, planning ahead provides peace of mind and essential legal protection for partners and chosen family.
Alex is 32 and has been with her partner, Sarah, for seven years.
‘When I first started thinking about my Will, I’ll admit I felt overwhelmed. I’m in a same‑sex relationship and have minimal to no contact with my biological family. The truth is, the idea of my relatives being able to step in, make decisions about my estate, or place pressure on Sarah if something happened to me was terrifying.
I’ve watched friends in the community go through complicated and painful situations after their partners passed away without proper documents in place. I didn’t want Sarah to ever feel threatened or pushed aside - especially not during a time of grief.’
Without a valid Will, the law decides how your estate is distributed. Even if you’ve been with your partner for many years, this can create complications, delays or disputes, especially if you’re estranged from your biological family. Making a Will ensures that the people you choose are recognised and protected.
‘Once I understood how much clarity a Will could give, the fear lifted. I wasn’t just protecting my things - I was protecting the life Sarah and I built together.
Sitting down to talk through the details wasn’t always easy, but it forced us to think about what mattered to us. Who we trusted. What we wanted our legacy to look like. It was empowering.’
A Will provides certainty and prevents others from stepping in or attempting to challenge your partner’s rights. It offers clear direction to the courts and safeguards your intentions.
‘Walking out of the appointment, I felt relieved. I knew that Sarah would be protected and that no one could override what I had set out.
It was a huge weight off my shoulders and a powerful reminder that planning ahead is an act of love - for yourself and for the people who stand by you.’
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*Names and identifying details may have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.