LEGAL HANDBOOK FOR LGBT FLORIDIANS AND THEIR FAMILIES:

 
 

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Valuable Resource Offered Free of Charge from

Equality Florida Institute and Carlton Fields Jorden Burt

Equality Florida Institute is providing an electronic version of the Legal Handbook for LGBT Floridians and Their Families free of charge on their website.  Recently updated, the 76-page resource was a pro bono project of the law firm Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, in cooperation with Equality Florida Institute.

This third edition of the Handbook is full of helpful information and pointers on the very best ways lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Floridians can legally protect themselves and their families.   Because this information is so important to protecting Florida’s families, Equality Florida Institute is making it available for download at www.EQFL.org/LegalHandbook.

Included is critical information about the importance of long-term planning related to health, family and financial considerations, and why taking steps to protect one’s family is so critical, especially for LGBT Floridians.  Many legal issues are addressed, including the implications of the Windsor decision, the current state of LGBT adoption, elder law, hate crimes, domestic partnership registries and what legal protections exist under Florida law.

“Discriminatory laws and the lack of legal protections impose hardships and complicate ordinary life for LGBT Floridians,” said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. “This vital resource is important for LGBT Floridians to understand how to protect themselves and their loved ones under the laws that currently exist.”

“In the fast-changing legal landscape, we are proud to partner with Equality Florida as they work to secure full legal equality for Florida’s LGBT community and their families,” said Nancy Faggianelli, Chief Diversity Officer of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt.

Since the handbook discusses laws and policies that may change often, particularly with regards to LGBT rights, individuals are encouraged to verify specific information with legal counsel.