This document outlines four key considerations for same-sex couples planning for retirement: 1) Social Security spousal benefits are only available to married couples; 2) retirement account beneficiaries must be explicitly named if not married; 3) an attorney can help draft wills to ensure assets go to an unmarried partner; and 4) estate tax planning is important if not eligible for the marital deduction as an unmarried couple. Proper planning with tools like wills and beneficiary designations can help same-sex couples achieve their intended retirement.

1. RETIREMENT:
FOUR CONSIDERATIONS
FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES
PLANNING FOR

2. Making retirement
plans with your
partner can involve
some unique
considerations.

3. To ensure you’re prepared for your golden
years, look into these four key points.
#1
#2
#3
#4
Spousal Social Security Benefits
Retirement Account Beneficiaries
Wills
Estate Taxes

4. Spousal Social
Security Benefits
#1

5. Social Security
Check
Legally, only married
couples are entitled to their
spouses’ Social Security
benefits.

6. If you’re unmarried, you won’t be
able to count on those funds in
retirement.

7. Retirement Account
Beneficiaries
#2

8. My
Beneficiary
My
Beneficiary
If you want to leave your retirement
account savings to your partner
and you’re not married, you’ll need
to name him or her as the
beneficiary.

9. If your employer-sponsored
retirement plan only allows spouses
and children as beneficiaries, you
might consider a more flexible
savings vehicle, such
as an IRA.
IRA
IRA

10. #3 Wills

11. Retirement and estate
planning often go hand in
hand.

12. Without a will or trust, state law
will likely dictate that your
assets go to your spouse or
blood relatives.

13. Will
If you’re unmarried and want
to leave assets to your partner,
consider talking to an attorney
about outlining your wishes in
a will.

14. Estate Taxes#4

15. If you’re married, you
and your spouse are
probably eligible for
the marital deduction
on estate taxes.

16. If you’re unmarried, a tax
professional can help you find
ways to minimize estate taxes.

17. With the right
tools and
preparation, you
can help ensure
your retirement
is just as you
and your spouse
or partner
intended.

18. © 2015 Regions Bank. This information is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. Regions makes no
representations as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information presented. Information
provided and statements made by employees of Regions should not be relied on or interpreted as accounting, financial
planning, investment, legal, or tax advice. Regions encourages you to consult a professional for advice applicable to your
specific situation. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.
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