The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last month in two cases related to marriage equality for same-sex couples, with decisions expected in late June. But you shouldn’t wait for the rulings to protect your relationship here in Georgia.

Depending on what the justices decide, the case could grant greater rights to same-sex couples here in Georgia, or no additional rights at all. But while same-sex marriage is illegal in our state, there are steps you can take right now to help protect your partnership.

These legal documents don’t take the place of the hundreds of rights that come with marriage, but they can help same-sex couples avoid discrimination while the fight for marriage equality continues. And since every couple’s situation is unique, you should consult an attorney to see if there are other documents you need.

Simple documents can help secure your rights

GA. ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTHCARE

This crucial three-part document allows you to designate who you want to make healthcare decisions for you; designate your treatment preferences if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious; and designate who you would want to be your guardian if you should need one. Georgia Equality (georgiaequality.com), the state’s largest LGBT political group, offers an easy place to download the healthcare directive.

FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

This document allows you to designate someone (like your partner) to make financial decisions for you, either immediately or if you should become incapacitated. This can be very helpful for your partner if you become seriously ill or disabled and your assets are needed to maintain your home and care.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

If you die without a will, your assets go to your legal heirs — and here in Georgia, that means your family, not your partner. A will lets you spell out exactly how you want your property divided and makes sure the person you love isn’t left out in the cold. It also lets you name who you want to be the guardian of your children.

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

A partnership agreement gives you the opportunity to think intentionally about how you will share assets, household expenses, child-rearing and other crucial issues. It also is a chance to agree in advance on how you will mediate disputes should your romantic relationship end.

Join the marriage fight

There are many groups working to secure the right for same-sex couples to legally wed. Here are a few who are leading the way. Visit their websites for how you can help them help you.

American Foundation for Equal Rights

AFER is the group bringing the high-profile federal legal challenge to Proposition 8, the voter initiative that ended gay marriages in California. The U.S. Supreme Court heard the case March 26; the broadest possible victory could allow gay couples to marry around the country, while narrower rulings could let gay marriage resume in California or keep the status quo. www.afer.org

Lambda Legal

A national LGBT legal group with offices around the country, including Atlanta, Lambda Legal has played a key role in legal battles for marriage rights nationwide. www.lambdalegal.org

Freedom to Marry

Freedom to Marry is a national voice for marriage equality, fighting for marriage rights at the state and federal level. www.freedomtomarry.com

Human Rights Campaign

The nation’s largest LGBT political group includes the Americans for Marriage Equality campaign, which helps bring national attention and resources to battles around marriage equality. www.hrc.org

Campaign for Southern Equality

The Campaign for Southern Equality, based in North Carolina, coordinated the recent “We Do” protests around the South — including in Decatur, Ga. — where same-sex couples applied for, and were denied, marriage licenses. www.southernequality.org

Georgia Benefits Counsel

This nonprofit was created to provide low-cost legal services to Georgians in same-sex relationships. Services include wills, financial powers of attorney and advance directives for health care; the cost is only what you would pay for a marriage license in your county. www.georgiabenefitscounsel.org