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Financial Planning for LGBTQ+ Families: What You Need to Know

By June 1, 2025July 2nd, 2025No Comments
An lgbtq+ couple looking through financial planning documents by a computer

At Keel Financial, Pride Month is more than a celebration — it’s a reminder of the diverse, dynamic families we serve and the unique financial journeys they navigate.

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and building a life with your partner, your children, or your chosen family, you’ve likely faced questions or challenges that don’t always come up in traditional financial planning conversations. That’s why inclusive planning matters — and why we’re here to walk that path with you.

Here are a few key areas we think every LGBTQ+ family should consider as part of their financial plan.

1. Adoption, Surrogacy, and Family Planning Costs

Starting or growing a family is joyful — and expensive. Adoption fees, legal costs, fertility treatments, and surrogacy services can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $100,000. Many LGBTQ+ couples go through private adoption agencies, international programs, or surrogacy arrangements that require upfront planning and legal guidance.

At Keel, we’ve helped clients set up dedicated savings strategies and even work these costs into broader life goals like home buying or career transitions. Planning early can give you options — and confidence.

2. Navigating Nontraditional Family Structures

LGBTQ+ families don’t always fit inside the boxes most financial forms assume. Maybe you co-parent with an ex, support a chosen family member, or are raising kids in a blended household. Maybe you’ve legally married — or chosen not to.

Whatever your structure looks like, your plan should reflect it. That includes:

  • Titling assets in ways that reflect your intentions
  • Creating cohabitation agreements if you’re not married
  • Considering financial protections for partners and children not recognized by default under current laws

We take time to understand your relationships — not just your accounts.

3. Healthcare Planning with Intention

Healthcare can look a little different depending on your identity, your partner’s coverage, or your legal status as a family. Some LGBTQ+ families still run into roadblocks accessing care for their children or partners — especially across state lines.

It’s important to have:

  • A clear understanding of your health insurance options
  • An HSA or FSA strategy if you’re covering out-of-pocket costs (like hormone therapy or fertility treatment)
  • Long-term care plans as you age

We’ve worked with clients to make sure the right coverage — and protections — are in place before they’re needed.

4. Legal Documents That Protect What Matters

Here’s something many people don’t realize: if you’re not legally married or don’t have the right paperwork in place, your partner or family may have no legal standing in an emergency.

Every LGBTQ+ household should have:

  • A will that names guardians for children and details how assets should be distributed
  • A healthcare proxy (or medical power of attorney) so someone you trust can make decisions if you’re unable
  • A financial power of attorney to manage your finances in an emergency

We partner with estate attorneys to make sure your documents reflect your wishes — and your life.

Our Commitment to You

At Keel Financial, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” planning. We believe in listening. In building trust. And in creating space for LGBTQ+ families to have the financial future they deserve — secure, thoughtful, and fully seen.

If you’re navigating life transitions, building a family, or just want to work with someone who gets it — we’re here. Let’s build a plan that reflects your values, not someone else’s template.

Ready to talk? Schedule a free consultation with a Keel advisor who understands the unique needs of LGBTQ+ clients and families.

Happy Pride — today and every day.

Disclosures

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified attorney.

Financial planning is a tool intended to review your current financial situation, investment objectives and goals, and suggest potential planning ideas and concepts that may be of benefit. There is no guarantee that financial planning will help you reach your goals.

This material was prepared using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.