LGBTQIA+ History Month: Protecting the Future of Your ʻOhana in Hawaiʻi
- Keoni
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
October marks LGBTQIA+ History Month — a time to reflect on the resilience, courage, and victories of those who fought for equality. It’s also a reminder that the fight for dignity and security isn’t over. For LGBTQIA+ individuals and families in Honolulu and across Hawaiʻi, one of the most meaningful ways to honor this legacy is by protecting your loved ones with a Life & Legacy Plan.
A comprehensive plan doesn’t just cover assets. It safeguards your rights, ensures your wishes are respected, and protects your chosen family — the people who matter most to you.
Why LGBTQIA+ History Month Matters for Estate Planning
Marriage equality in the United States is still a relatively recent achievement — only recognized nationwide in 2015 through Obergefell v. Hodges. Before then, same-sex couples often endured heartbreaking legal battles over hospital visitation, medical decision-making, and inheritance rights.
Even now, challenges remain. Many LGBTQIA+ adults experience estrangement from biological relatives. In fact, a 2022 survey found nearly half of gay men and more than half of lesbian women were estranged from at least one immediate family member — leaving them vulnerable when no estate plan exists.
And there’s a looming uncertainty: new legal challenges could threaten marriage equality itself. If overturned, spousal rights such as inheritance, parental rights, and healthcare decision-making could once again be at risk in many states.
For LGBTQIA+ families in Hawaiʻi, this is a critical reminder: estate planning isn’t just about money — it’s about ensuring your ʻohana is protected when it matters most.
Why Traditional Estate Planning Often Fails
Many people assume a simple will or online form is enough. Unfortunately, this “documents-only” approach often fails — especially for LGBTQIA+ couples and families.
Probate conflicts: A will must go through probate court, where estranged relatives may challenge your wishes.
Outdated medical directives: If healthcare documents aren’t updated, hospitals may defer to biological relatives instead of your partner.
False sense of security: Documents alone don’t adapt as your life, family, and the law change.
Real stories prove the risk: couples denied hospital access, partners shut out of finances, and chosen family stripped of the right to care for a loved one. These tragedies can be avoided with proactive planning.
How Life & Legacy Planning Protects Your ʻOhana
My Life & Legacy Planning process goes far beyond drafting documents. It’s a relationship-centered approach designed to ensure your plan actually works when your loved ones need it most.
Here’s how it protects LGBTQIA+ families in Hawaiʻi:
Protection for Chosen Family: You decide who inherits and who cares for you — not the state, and not estranged relatives.
Healthcare Advocacy: Your partner or trusted loved one is empowered to make medical decisions without interference.
Security for Children: With my Kids Protection Plan, parents of minor children can ensure their kids are raised by the people they trust most.
Financial Safeguards: Assets are properly titled so they’re accessible without costly court delays.
Ongoing Support: Your plan evolves with your life, your assets, and the law.
Beyond legal protection, you’ll also record a Life & Legacy Interview — passing on your values, traditions, and personal stories. For many LGBTQIA+ families, this storytelling is just as vital as protecting financial assets.
Taking Action This LGBTQIA+ History Month
Honoring the past means protecting the future. A Life & Legacy Plan safeguards your love, your identity, and your dignity — ensuring that your ʻohana in Hawaiʻi is protected, no matter what the future holds.
It all begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session. In this working session, we’ll:
Review what would happen to your assets and loved ones if something happened today.
Create a complete inventory of your assets so nothing is ever lost.
Explore your family dynamics and values to design a plan that truly reflects you.
Choose the plan that best fits your goals and budget.
Together, we’ll create a plan that works when your loved ones need it most — and gives you peace of mind today.
FAQs
Why is estate planning especially important for LGBTQIA+ families in Hawaiʻi?
Because of the potential for estranged relatives to interfere and the uncertainty around marriage equality, LGBTQIA+ individuals are more vulnerable without proper planning.
Isn’t a will enough?
A will alone usually isn’t enough because it must go through probate, which can be challenged. A comprehensive trust-based Life & Legacy Plan offers stronger protection.
What if I don’t own many assets?
Estate planning isn’t just about money. It’s about healthcare decisions, guardianship of children, and ensuring your chosen family is honored.
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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.
