Notarized partnership agreement failed to protect woman after partner's death

Ania and Ewa, unable to enter a formal marriage, secured themselves through legally available means — notarial powers of attorney, a partnership agreement and wills. After Ewa's death, these documents proved to offer Ania no real legal protection. "After Ewa's death I felt punished by my country," the woman says, pointing to Poland's lack of registered partnership laws.