Five Things Your Spouse Should Know Before You Die
In marriage we share almost everything.
Its the ultimate game of "I know you better than you know yourself." You share everything from your deepest secrets to the last slice of pizza (and surviving that is a real testament to love!)
But let's be real.
When you exchanged those vows, did you ever think about actually diving into the nitty-gritty details of when ‘till death actually does us part?
Probably not. I mean, who has time for that in the midst of cake tasting and dance lessons?
Sure, you might have casually said to your hubby “if I die first I will allow you to marry Taylor Swift” but do you actually know what your husband’s wishes are when it comes to that?
According to a 2009 study, 32% of people guessed their spouse’s hypothetical end-of-life wishes…. INCORRECTLY! (who said love wasn’t a game of chance?!)
All jokes aside, there are SO many unpredictable situations you could find yourself, or your spouse, in. Are you willing to risk guessing what their wishes are?
Here are five key things your spouse SHOULD know:
Location of Important Documents
Many couples merge their finances, and often, only one spouse manages financial matters. To prevent future stress, ensure both partners are informed about the location of vital documents. These documents include:
Estate planning documents
Life insurance documents
Loan papers
Financial account information
Digital account information
Deeds to your homes
Titles to any vehicles you own
2. Contact Information
In the event of your passing, your spouse should know whom to contact.
Family
Friends
Extended family
Religious leaders
Club members
Professional contacts
Listing this information separately or sharing phone login credentials can be helpful
3. Burial Arrangements
Discuss your preferences for burial or cremation. Whether you choose a traditional burial, cremation, or another option, it's essential to communicate your wishes to ensure a respectful farewell.
4. End-of-Life Preferences
What happens if you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to communicate your healthcare preferences? Do you want to die naturally, or let the doctors do everything necessary to keep you alive? It’s important to communicate this to your spouse because they will likely be the one to have to make these decisions in a very stressful environment.
5. Remarriage
While it's generally accepted that a widowed spouse can remarry, there may be financial considerations. Estate planning, like a QTIP trust, can protect inheritances and assets for children if a surviving spouse decides to remarry.
The Benefits of Comprehensive Estate Planning
A well-written comprehensive estate plan will not only make your wishes clear, it will also give your spouse peace of mind when the “happily ever after” actually becomes the “til death do us part.”
Are you ready to take control?
Follow these steps to get the ball rolling in your court!
Download our Estate Planning Workbook to help you think through some of the questions you will be required to answer
Review our Estate Planning pricing plans to learn more about how we help you plan for your future.
Get started working with us when you are ready to take control of your legacy!