As Pride Month comes to a close, it offers an opportunity to reflect not only on the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, but also on the importance of planning for the future. One practical way to do that is through advance care planning—taking steps today to ensure that your medical, legal, and personal wishes are respected if you are ever unable to speak for yourself.
The Compassion & Choices/SAGE Advance Care Planning Toolkit was developed specifically to address the unique planning needs and concerns that many LGBTQ+ adults may face. For some individuals, chosen family members, close friends, or unmarried partners—not biological relatives—are the people they trust most to make healthcare decisions. Without the proper legal documents in place, however, those trusted individuals may not automatically have the authority to act on a loved one's behalf.
While the toolkit is designed with LGBTQ+ communities in mind, its guidance is valuable for everyone. It walks readers through important conversations about healthcare preferences, choosing trusted decision-makers, and documenting wishes before a medical crisis occurs.
For Texans, several legal documents are especially important to consider, many of which are available on the Advance Directives page of the Texas Health and Human Services website:
Medical Power of Attorney – appoints someone to make healthcare decisions if you cannot.
Directive to Physicians (Living Will) – communicates your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.
HIPAA Authorization – allows designated individuals to access your medical information.
Durable Power of Attorney – authorizes someone to manage financial and legal matters.
Declaration of Guardian – identifies who you would (or would not) want appointed as your guardian.
Last Will and Testament – directs how your property should be distributed after your death. (For hybrid will templates, visit the Forms page > Probate & Guardianship subheading, on the Texas Judiciary’s website.)
These documents help ensure that your wishes—not assumptions or default legal rules—guide important decisions. They also provide peace of mind for those you care about during what can be an emotionally difficult time.
Advance care planning often raises another important question: What happens after I'm gone? That's where estate planning and probate become part of the conversation.
The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library is pleased to offer Probate Wednesdays with Brandon Cofield, Harris County's Public Probate Administrator. Held every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., these free educational sessions provide general information about Texas probate, estate administration, wills, and related topics. Whether you're planning ahead or helping administer a loved one's estate, these sessions can help you better understand the probate process and the resources available to you.
Now, during the month of July, those interested in the Probate Wednesday sessions but unable to attend in person can join us virtually. To receive a secure Zoom link so that you can log in from the comfort of your own computer or device, just scan the QR code in the image at the end of this post.
As Pride Month draws to a close, consider taking a small but meaningful step toward protecting yourself and the people who matter most. Whether your family is connected by birth, marriage, adoption, or choice, thoughtful planning helps ensure that your voice continues to be heard when it matters most.
At the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, we are committed to helping our community find reliable legal information and connect with trusted educational resources. We invite you to explore the Compassion & Choices/SAGE Advance Care Planning Toolkit and join us for a future Probate Wednesdays session to learn more about planning for the future with confidence and clarity.