'If there's one conversation to have before getting married, I recommend this.'

Thanks to our brand partner, NSW Trustee and Guardian

To be completely honest, there are a few topics that make me want to bury my head in the sand: my retail shopping habits, the excessive time my son spends watching YouTube and the daunting prospect of having a grown-up conversation about wills and estates.

When my husband and I first started discussing our wills, my fear stemmed from the absurd belief that by taking action on something so significant, we'd be tempting fate.

Looking back, my naivety was astonishing, and it was easier to simply put it in the "too hard basket".

According to Marie Brownell, Director of Estate Planning and Administration at NSW Trustee and Guardian, my attitude isn't unusual.

"I think for many, discussing important matters like these can feel uncomfortable. While there's still a bit of a taboo around it, these are conversations that need to happen."

NSW Trustee and Guardian's will-making service is a valuable and easily accessible resource. Knowing that an expert is available to guide you through the process is definitely reassuring.

So, while flower arrangements and who to kick off the guest list for the wedding may be top of mind when planning for marriage, be sure to squeeze in these important conversations as well.

What's the plan for our financial assets if something were to happen?

This is one of the most important conversations to have with your partner, but at the start of a new relationship, it's far from a romantic icebreaker.

"It's not something people really think about when they are starting a new relationship, if they are young and healthy, they think they don't need to worry."

"These discussions are usually prompted by something happening. Maybe you know someone who has died unexpectedly, or someone's had an accident. It's at this point people might say, 'This is probably something we should get around to doing,'" Marie told me.

Planning for the future includes having some often-difficult conversations, but what I have learnt is that by having an element of discomfort early on, it will usually solve or prevent more discomfort down the track.

Being clear about your wishes and having aligned views on how shared assets will be managed and what happens with pre-existing assets is essential — even though it may feel daunting and even a bit gloomy to talk about.

Who will have Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian?

Most people understand the importance of having a will in place, but fewer are aware of the significance of setting up Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian documents alongside it.

If you become incapacitated, an Enduring Power of Attorney will allow someone to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf, while an Enduring Guardian document ensures someone can handle your health and lifestyle decisions if you're no longer able to do so yourself.

"Having these frank conversations while you can is important, as it ensures that, when you're no longer able to express your wishes, they are clearly understood," Marie explained. 

These documents, alongside a will, help prevent complications. A spouse or partner can be appointed as your attorney and enduring guardian if you wish, to make financial, health and lifestyle decisions on your behalf. It's also a good idea to specify someone to step into those roles if your spouse is unable to do so.

How can we secure our future as best as possible?

NSW Trustee and Guardian can help you by providing professional advice, which is essential when it comes to understanding other factors to consider, such as who will receive entitlements like superannuation if you pass away.

Ensuring that you have all the right legal documents properly prepared and in place is crucial. Unless you are practising in this space, you are not going to know the intricacies of the law and how it applies to your particular circumstances.

Proper advice is key. Understanding your options and having the facts enables you to make informed decisions. 

With 9 branches across the state and various pop-up locations, the NSW Trustee and Guardian provides will-writing services that can give real peace of mind knowing that your wishes are clearly and legally documented.

These are all the big conversations to face head on. Setting expectations around what you want your future to look like can help set the foundation for a strong partnership.

Ready to organise your will? Book an appointment with the NSW Trustee and Guardian on their website.

Feature Image: Getty.

Make your Will one less thing.