Family Protection Planning for Your Rainbow Family

Family Protection Planning for Your Rainbow Family
Jumpstart your Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, & Family Legal Recognition

Wednesday, February 18th
7:00 - 8:00 PM ET
Virtual via Zoom
Free & Open to the Public

This interactive workshop is designed specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals and families who want to take meaningful steps toward protecting the people they love most.We’ll break down estate planning, special needs planning, and family legal recognition in plain language—no legal jargon required. You’ll learn why these tools matter, what documents to prioritize, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can leave families vulnerable during times of crisis. Whether you’re just starting to think about planning or you’ve been meaning to update existing documents, this workshop will help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take the next step.

During this session, you’ll learn:

• What core estate planning documents every LGBTQ+ family should have (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives)
• How to protect non-biological and non-adoptive parents through proper legal recognition
• Planning strategies for families with children or loved ones who have special needs
• How to plan for incapacity or emergencies so your wishes are honored and your family stays in control
• Common mistakes that can unintentionally leave partners, children, or chosen family unprotected

Maria Bates

Maria Bates is a DC and Florida licensed attorney (Maria Bates Law PLLC) who builds and protects families and organizations (assisted reproduction, child welfare & adoption, estate & special needs planning, business & nonprofit development, issue advocacy). Maria received her BA in Human Development from Eckerd College, her JD from Stetson University College of Law, a LLM in Business Law from Florida State University and is in the process of finishing her LLM in Wealth Management from Texas A & M University. Maria started her career as a counselor for teens with addictions and mental health issues, then went on to special projects consulting before returning to law school and founding two adoption agencies and her law practice. Maria is a very proud single mom through adoption of 4 amazing children. She is a member of the Family Law Institute of the National LGBT Bar Association and has been working on LGBTQ+ advocacy for over 30 years.