The legalization of gay marriage in 2015 unlocked a myriad of estate planning and asset protection options for LGBTQ couples. But, since these benefits are quite new, same-sex couples may not be taking full advantage of the asset protection and tax mitigation strategies that are now available. Below are a few of the most important elements that have changed in the world of estate planning for LGBTQ couples since the Obergefell decision in 2015 and some steps you can take to protect your wealth and assets.

I want to teach you a new word today: Procrustean. Procrustean means “forcing conformity by arbitrary means.” In particular, a Procrustean bed is a concept used to describe any predetermined standard to which rigid adherence is forced. When it comes to your financial legacy, you definitely don’t want your estate plan to be Procrustean. Although you may be tempted to use online templates to create your estate planning documents, these templates will not and cannot provide the protections you need to keep your assets and wealth truly safe.