Webinar urges early powers of attorney and clear records to protect LGBTQIA+ care partners

Don Jefferson emphasized legal preparation as a top priority for LGBTQIA+ care partners: durable power of attorney for finances, a healthcare proxy, advanced directives and updated identity documents. "Without documents, Virginia law ... allows spouses and blood relatives. Those are the ones who get priority," Jefferson said, arguing that early paperwork preserves a partner’s legal voice in medical and financial decisions.

Jefferson cautioned that guardianship proceedings are often prolonged and contentious and urged attendees to secure documents while the person is still able to sign. She also advised keeping accessible copies of IDs and directives (on a phone or in a password-protected vault) and suggested consulting elder-law attorneys who specialize in affirming clients’ identities.