The LGBT Elder Initiative will stage a legal clinic to teach local seniors the importance of preparing end-of-life documents — and guests can have those complex, often costly documents prepared free of charge. The event begins at 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. It follows the format of LGBTEI’s first legal clinic last fall, with a workshop detailing legal documents that can protect elders, especially those in the LGBT community. Then, participants can meet one on one with local attorneys who will help them draw up documents ranging from wills to powers of attorney. LGBTEI chair Heshie Zinman said more than 50 seniors attended the inaugural clinic, and the day ended with more than 225 completed documents. Zinman noted the document preparation is geared towards people with simple life-planning needs, but that LGBT people of all situations can benefit from the hands-on lessons. “For folks who have complex estate-planning needs, this might not be the best workshop for them, although everyone is certainly welcome and we will have referrals to any number of attorneys who do complex estates,” Zinman said. “But this is geared toward folks with simple needs, whether they’re single, partnered, married. They’ll all find something here.” Between attorney billing hours and other fees, the preparation of life-planning documents typically runs hundreds of dollars, Zinman said. The attorneys, who are all donating their time, hail from a number of local firms, and the event is being underwritten by PNC Bank. Zinman noted that it is especially important for LGBT people to make sure their interests are protected, regardless of evolving legal landscapes. “People want to have control over these types of medical and financial decisionmaking and powers of attorney,” Zinman said. “I think all too often we think that we’re never going to need a will or a power of attorney, but I personally want to make sure my wishes are respected and considered. It’s good to have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed.” Lunch will be provided at the event, and registration is required. To register, email [email protected] or call 267-546-3448.
