Many LGBTQ couples have some unique issues to address in their estate plan. For instance, your estate plan should make provisions for the distribution of property that you owned separately before marriage if you are left incapacitated or die. If you have lived together for a long time but never married (and have no plan to get married), you may also need to make provisions for retirement benefits and claiming social security, as well as making additional plans to provide for your partner financially after your death. If you become incapacitated, you might want to include instructions in your estate plan that allow your partner to be involved in making medical decisions on your behalf. An LGBTQ estate plan may also need to make provisions for any children from a previous relationship, including guardianship if the children are still dependent. You may also like to stipulate how funeral arrangements are carried out so that your final wishes are met and decisions not left up to other people (especially if your family does not approve of your life choices).