The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear four cases from Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee, respectively, regarding the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans by the states. While the Court’s decision to hear the cases was anticipated (as previously discussed here), the decision is nonetheless exciting. Arguments are expected to be presented in April of this year, and the U.S. Supreme Court may very well issue a ruling resolving the state-by-state conflict over same-sex marriage by June. Such a resolution to the state-by-state conflict over same-sex marriage would be a welcome development and would bring a great deal more clarity to trust and estate planning for same-sex partners.