Google
"Found Nicole online... thanks to her stellar reviews. Easy to work with, thorough, and pretty straightforward process. Would recommend."
VK
Vikas Khanna
Verified Google Review
LGBT estate planning, done with care.
Estate planning tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families in Phoenix. We build the documents that marriage alone doesn't provide.
An Honest Word
Marriage didn't replace your estate plan.
I was serving the LGBT community before the legalization of same-sex marriage in Arizona in 2014 and nationally in 2015. Since that time, I've seen a steep decline in same-sex couples seeking estate planning services. Many assume marriage affords them every right they need — that an estate plan is no longer necessary.
Unfortunately, that assumption is false, and it leaves same-sex couples more vulnerable now than ever before. Marriage gives you a legal status. It does not give you a financial power of attorney, a healthcare directive, hospital visitation rights at every facility, or a plan for your children. Those are documents — and you still need them.
Tailored Services
What we prepare for LGBTQ+ clients.
A complete plan is built from a handful of documents working together. Here's what most clients need.
Last Will and Testament
Direct exactly who receives your assets and, if you're a parent, name guardians for your children.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorize your spouse or trusted agent to handle finances and property if you become incapacitated.
Health Care Power of Attorney
Empower someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf when you can't.
Revocable Living Trust
Avoid probate, keep matters private, and prevent ancillary probate if you own property in another state.
Hospital Visitation Authorization
Make sure your partner or chosen family is recognized at the bedside, no matter the facility.
Parental Power of Attorney
Give a trusted adult the temporary authority to care for your child if you're unavailable.
Domestic Partnership Agreement
Define the rights and responsibilities of unmarried partners — assets, debts, and what happens if life changes.
Why It Still Matters
Five facts every married couple should know.
These apply to every couple, but they're especially overlooked by same-sex spouses who assumed marriage handled it.
All spouses need a power of attorney.
Without one, your spouse cannot legally handle many financial accounts and assets on your behalf — even joint ones like the family home.
Blended families need a will.
If you have children from a prior relationship, only a will ensures your spouse inherits the way you intend.
Living wills prevent family conflict.
Without one, family members can end up in painful disputes over whether to 'pull the plug' — your voice should make that decision.
Out-of-state property can trigger probate elsewhere.
If assets aren't titled in a trust, your family could face an additional probate in another state.
Parents of minor children need a will.
Otherwise a judge — not you — will decide who raises your kids if something happens to both parents.
Marriage is a status, not a plan.
You still need the documents. We build them around your relationship, your family, and your wishes.
Your Phoenix Estate Planning Attorney
A welcoming space, decades of experience.
Nicole Pavlik has served Phoenix's LGBTQ+ community since long before marriage equality. We make this process clear, comfortable, and tailored to your family — whether you're married, partnered, single, or parenting.
If you have questions about an LGBT estate plan, call Nicole Pavlik Law Firm today at (602) 635-6176 for a free consultation.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Google
"Nicole and her team have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and kind. We have such peace of mind going with Nicole."
SS
Shauna S.
Verified Google Review
Google
"From initial communication through final signatures and continued support — just fantastic. Recommend her 100% for your Phoenix, AZ estate planning attorney."
AP
Anthony Polletta
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team are wonderful to work with because of their timeliness, expansive knowledge, and attention to detail."
DJ
Dylan Jones
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her staff did an excellent job of making a seemingly complex process simple. I would highly recommend her."
MA
Marc A. Morales De Castillo
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole's expertise and attention to detail in preparing our estate documents were commendable. They made the complex task of estate planning easy to navigate."
JC
Jim Cantwell
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team supported very well in writing a will, it was pretty smooth and they were very transparent in explaining all the details."
DS
Durga Sirigirisetti
Verified Google Review
Google
"Every step of the process was a well-oiled machine. The process was easy to follow and seamless. Happy to recommend them to anyone."
MP
Melissa Panks
Verified Google Review
Google
"Found Nicole online... thanks to her stellar reviews. Easy to work with, thorough, and pretty straightforward process. Would recommend."
VK
Vikas Khanna
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and kind. We have such peace of mind going with Nicole."
SS
Shauna S.
Verified Google Review
Google
"From initial communication through final signatures and continued support — just fantastic. Recommend her 100% for your Phoenix, AZ estate planning attorney."
AP
Anthony Polletta
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team are wonderful to work with because of their timeliness, expansive knowledge, and attention to detail."
DJ
Dylan Jones
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her staff did an excellent job of making a seemingly complex process simple. I would highly recommend her."
MA
Marc A. Morales De Castillo
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole's expertise and attention to detail in preparing our estate documents were commendable. They made the complex task of estate planning easy to navigate."
JC
Jim Cantwell
Verified Google Review
Google
"Nicole and her team supported very well in writing a will, it was pretty smooth and they were very transparent in explaining all the details."
DS
Durga Sirigirisetti
Verified Google Review
Google
"Every step of the process was a well-oiled machine. The process was easy to follow and seamless. Happy to recommend them to anyone."
MP
Melissa Panks
Verified Google Review
Schedule a Consultation
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