LGBTQ+ Legal Rights in 2025: Estate Planning, Business, and Real Estate Guide
Published: June 2025 | Pelletier Law, LLC | Lincoln, Rhode Island
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate progress and continue advocating for equal rights across the United States and right here in Rhode Island. While great strides have been made in LGBTQ+ legal protections, individuals and couples still face unique challenges. This includes estate planning, business ownership, and real estate transactions. Working with an LGBTQ+ attorney in Rhode Island, understanding your rights, and taking proactive steps can help secure your future and protect your assets in Rhode Island.
Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Couples in Rhode Island
Estate planning is essential for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in unmarried relationships or those with non-traditional family structures. Without a proper estate plan that complies with Rhode Island state law, your assets may not be
distributed according to your wishes. Rhode Island estate planning attorneys recommend these key steps:
Essential Estate Planning Documents for Rhode Island LGBTQ+ Couples
Creating a Will & Trust in Rhode Island – Clearly define how your assets should be distributed to avoid Rhode Island’s default inheritance laws that may not align with your intentions. Rhode Island follows specific probate procedures that can be navigated more smoothly with proper documentation.
Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives – Under Rhode Island law, designate trusted individuals to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf. Rhode Island healthcare facilities must honor properly executed advance directives.
Beneficiary Designations – Ensure retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets reflect your chosen beneficiaries according to Rhode Island regulations.
Guardianship Designations – If you have children, outline guardianship preferences to avoid legal disputes in Rhode Island Family Court.
Protecting LGBTQ+ Relationships & Assets in Rhode Island Without Marriage
While same-sex marriage is legally recognized in Rhode Island since 2013, many LGBTQ+ couples choose not to marry. In such cases, legal documentation is critical to protect both partners under Rhode Island law. An LGBTQ+ attorney in Rhode Island can help protect your rights.
Legal Protections for Unmarried LGBTQ+ Couples in Rhode Island
Cohabitation Agreements – Define property ownership, financial responsibilities, and asset distribution for unmarried partners living in Rhode Island. These agreements are enforceable under Rhode Island contract law.
Joint Property Agreements – Clarify how jointly owned Rhode Island real estate and assets should be managed or divided if the relationship ends.
Medical & Financial Powers of Attorney – Ensure your partner has legal authority under Rhode Island law to make decisions on your behalf if necessary at Rhode Island hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Rhode Island Housing & Workplace Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Rhode Island has strong protections against housing and workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act and Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act help ensure fair treatment in real estate transactions, employment, and public accommodations throughout the state.
Your Rights Under Rhode Island Anti-Discrimination Laws
Rhode Island Fair Housing Protections – Landlords, lenders, and real estate professionals in Rhode Island cannot discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals in renting, buying, or financing homes anywhere in the state, from Providence to Newport to Warwick, and every Rhode Island city and town in between.
Rhode Island Employment Protections – Employers in Rhode Island cannot terminate or refuse to hire individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Rhode Island – If you experience discrimination in Rhode Island, you can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
LGBTQ+ Real Estate Rights in Rhode Island
When buying or selling property in Rhode Island, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have specific protections under state law. Rhode Island real estate transactions must comply with fair housing laws that protect against discrimination.
Finding LGBTQ+-Friendly Legal Services in Rhode Island
When seeking legal assistance in Rhode Island, it’s important to work with attorneys who understand LGBTQ+ legal issues and Rhode Island state law. Pelletier Law, LLC in Lincoln, Rhode Island, provides comprehensive legal services for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples throughout Rhode Island.
Services Available for LGBTQ+ Community
- Estate planning and wills in Rhode Island
- Real estate transactions in Rhode Island
- Business formation and contracts in Rhode Island
- Discrimination complaint assistance
- Family law matters in Rhode Island
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
Some progress has been made, but LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Rhode Island must take proactive steps to protect their rights and assets. Consulting with a knowledgeable LGBTQ+ attorney in Rhode Island can help you navigate estate planning, property ownership, and discrimination protections under Rhode Island law.
Contact Pelletier Law, LLC for LGBTQ+ Legal Services in Rhode Island
Located in Lincoln, Rhode Island, Pelletier Law, LLC serves LGBTQ+ clients throughout Rhode Island, including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Newport, and surrounding communities.
Phone: 401-580-3059
Address: 300 Front Street, Lincoln, RI 02865