Q & A with Greg Louganis

QUESTION: You have recently agreed to work with Muses Legal Products to spread the word about their new software, MUSES LEGAL GUIDE TO LIVING TOGETHER. What is this product and what compelled you to affiliate yourself with it since that is something that you have seldom done in the past?

GREG: MUSES LEGAL GUIDE TO LIVING TOGETHER is a software package of custom created legal agreements specifically created to enable unmarried partners--- both gay and straight—to pick and choose which rights and protections to share with each other to better protect the people and things that are important to them. I also found that this product is a great guide for building a solid relationship by addressing difficult topics of discussions. After using it, there is no question as to each partner’s future goals …and this knowledge naturally helps to nurture a lasting relationship. It gives you the freedom to agree to disagree on certain matters and assures that your wishes will be carried out…keeping the lines of communication open. “True” relationships are living, breathing and ever changing.

QUESTION: Most gays and lesbians are familiar with the many horror stories about couples who were denied access to hospital visitation, widowed partners who were denied access to their own possessions, pets, or their partner’s estate, their inability to legally act as their partner’s advocate during times of crisis, etc. Is there a similar story for you or someone you know that really demonstrates the need for a product like MUSES LEGAL GUIDE TO LIVING TOGETHER?

GREG: When I retired from diving and broke up with my partner of six years, I spent $500,000 on attorneys and a settlement to get out of an abusive relationship. If I had had MUSES LEGAL GUIDE TO LIVING TOGETHER, I would have known what questions to ask and have a better understanding of how I could have better protected myself. I don’t look back often, but it was a very expensive lesson to learn …when MUSES could have saved me. It was what it was, so I have moved on but I did learn that lesson the hard way.

QUESTION: Have you and your partner done all of your legal homework to make certain that you are as protected as possible? Do you use MUSES LEGAL GUIDE TO LIVING TOGETHER?

GREG: Although we had done some estate planning, the LEGAL GUIDE made it apparent that there were a great many more areas than estate planning that are essential to consider when trying to protect your relationship and future.

QUESTION: You are one of the most recognizable names in Olympic history. What is the most important lessons you learned from your various experiences in the sports world? Oh, and where do you keep your medals?

GREG: My medals are in a plain, old file cabinet, if you can believe that. The most important lesson I learned from sports is “do your homework” in whatever you pursue. I also learned that it’s important to share the journey because you never know who or how it might affect another person in a positive way. My goal has always been to “make a difference in the world”.

NOTE: Please visit Greg’s website at www.louganis.com to keep up to date with the release of Greg’s new movie, WATERCOLORS, and to learn more about the release of his book, FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR DOG.