America's estimated 20 million lesbians and gay men need to take specific legal steps to define and protect their relationships in the eyes of the law. This practical guide shows them how to: obtain domestic partner benefits-plan for medical emergencies-buy property together-provide for each other at death-understand the practical and legal aspects of having and raising children.The guide includes living together contracts, sample wills and a durable power of attorney. The updated 14th edition now includes a new chapter discussing the laws of states that offer an equivalent to marriage, plus information on ending such relationships.