Estate planning provides protections to help guard against discrimination when people are reluctant to recognize your relationship, even if you are married. If you fail to plan properly, the result can be devastating to your spouse or partner and family. Without a proper estate plan, you could be legally prevented from making decisions about your spouse or partner’s care, managing his or her affairs, or even having access to him or her. Even if you are married, planning is critical in the event you encounter resistance to recognize your marital rights.