Additionally, many states do not allow adoption by same-sex partners. This could be a very serious problem if one of you dies. Our families understand us and will help the survivor. Don't make this tragic assumption. Many partners have lost everything because they believed that their partner's family would respect his or her wishes.
Death has a way of changing people and old loyalties sometimes fade.
Be prepared for the unexpected by protecting yourself now. Not always true. Unfortunately, many courts have accepted this argument. Retirement plan payments will be lost if your partner dies before retirement. Not so for legally married couples.