Same-Sex Couples
Javier & Robert
58 and 55 years old
Javier is a retired CEO
Robert is a retired schoolteacher
Javier and Robert were legally married in California more than twenty years ago. They live in Arizona and are Arizona residents for tax purposes. Arizona did not recognize same-sex marriage until 2014. Javier and Robert needed help with their financial and retirement planning as a married, gay couple.
Key Concerns: Navigating financial situations that gay and lesbian couples face. Navigation help included retirement and tax planning, succession planning, beneficiary designation, interstate succession, spousal or survivor benefits, healthcare directives, parentage, inheritance rights, estate taxes, protecting federal and state benefits (social security, pensions, etc.), revamping estate planning documents, and combining assets.
Versant serves same-sex couples by providing information and advice regarding federal and state benefits, the use of estate planning and planned giving strategies, addressing concerns arising from State of Celebration vs. State of Residence, and collaborating with CPAs and estate planning attorneys to provide planning. We provide counsel and work in a partnership relationship with same sex couples to develop a long-term plan. Versant also monitors the plan with you to stay on course and if adjustments need to be made.
This case study is fictional and merely presented as an example of the type of services provided by Versant. The case study presented does not indicate any investment recommendations and should not be interpreted as a testimonial by any client. You should not assume that the results are typical or that you will have the same results.