To have or not to have: Advance planning by same-sex couples

Abstract

Twenty-eight same-sex couples were interviewed regarding advance planning documents (e.g., wills and powers of attorney). Results revealed motivating and inhibiting factors in decisions whether to execute documents. Couples who had executed advance planning documents were motivated by their desire for protection, by their commitment to their relationships, by their families of origin, by their friends and life experiences, and by the sociopolitical culture. Couples who had not executed advance planning documents did not place a priority on nor have a sense of urgency about obtaining documents. They were further deterred by their feelings of good health and youth and by a lack of resources, including knowledge about advance planning. The unique experiences of same-sex couples and resulting policy implications are discussed within a theoretical framework of minority stress.