Inheritance
At the moment the law, when losing your same sex partner is an ass. The only way round this is to either
engage in a civil partnership to become the next of kin, or to ensure that you make a will - we all need to get
round to but, sadly, many of us never get round to getting it sorted. The law as it stands.
Any inheritance left as part of a will is not going to be left to your partner automatically if you die. The law
states that a blood relative or a legally-recognised spouse is entitled to it, no matter how long you have been
with your partner, unless you specifically request differently. So, make a will!
Pension schemes
Many schemes will provide for a widow or widower's pension in the event of the other partner's death.
For a lesbian or gay couple, this benefit may not apply, irrespective of how long the couple have been together.
It's worth checking with whoever provides the pension scheme you have to make sure that you know where you are.
If it isn't as you want, shop around.
Be aware, however, that any employer pension must treat couples in a Civil Partnership in the same way as a married
couple.