Same-sex couples should, while both are of sound mind, set up powers of attorney, consensual guardianship and wills: legally you are not close relatives, and without them you have no right to sign or inherit
- Moderate value
- Evidence A
- Keeps you free
- Costs a little
- Takes some hours
- Some willpower
In plain words
Under the law, close relatives (近亲属) are the spouse, parents, children, siblings and the like, and a partner is not included. Without documents prepared in advance, when one is seriously ill the other cannot make decisions for him. When one dies, the other inherits nothing at all. Three documents each cover one stretch: a power of attorney (授权委托) while you are alive, consensual guardianship (意定监护) after you lose the ability to make judgments, and a will after death.
Mentioned in
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 10, tip 18. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer