Before the Honeymoon: 5 Estate Planning Questions Every Couple Should Ask

As newlyweds plan their futures together, one conversation often gets buried beneath champagne toasts and honeymoon itineraries: What happens if something happens to us?

According to Trust & Will’s 2025 Marriage & Legacy Report, 45% of married people still don’t have an estate plan. Most delay for years after tying the knot, often feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or mistakenly believing they need more assets. But estate planning isn’t about how much you have. It’s about protecting what matters most.

We asked financial advisors who offer estate planning to their clients: What’s one estate planning conversation you believe every couple should have before or shortly after they say “I do”?

Here’s what they shared:

1. “What happens if something happens to us?”

– Bob Chitrathorn, CFP®, Co‑Founder & VP of Wealth Planning, Simplified Wealth Management

“This is simple. One estate planning conversation every newlywed couple should have—BEFORE or right after they say ‘I do’—is this: ‘What happens if something happens to us?’ ... Love grows stronger when it's backed by a solid plan. This also helps you have your POA and healthcare directives in place before the honeymoon.”

2. “Talking about whether or not they want to have kids in the future”

– Vinee Mehta, CFP®, AIF®, Founder, Truly Unbiased 

“Before a couple decides to tie the knot, a number of important conversations should take place… Many times, it’s more about the discussion process and making sure that both parties can constructively discuss financial and estate matters… If you cannot do that at this phase… then what are the chances you will be able to in a time of discord or tragedy?!”

3. “What do you have currently?”

– Al Faber, CFP®, Financial Advisor, Woodson Wealth Management

“This conversation should happen both before and after the wedding. Before the ceremony, talk about what you currently have. Are you combining finances? Expecting an inheritance? Do you need a prenup? After the wedding, it’s time to put the plan into action. Many couples forget to update beneficiaries or legal documents, and those details can make a big difference.”

4. “What are your parents doing?”

– Matthew Ricks, MBA, CFP®, Founder, Haystack Financial Planning

“It’s not just about your own assets. What about your parents? Are you named in their trust or estate? If it’s a second marriage, the complexity grows, especially if either of you has children from a prior relationship. Talking about these things now avoids surprises and stress later.”

5. “What is this check you write every month?”

– Charles Thomas, CFP®, Founder, Intrepid Eagle Finance

“Estate planning isn’t only about what’s coming in, it’s also about what’s going out… I’ve had clients ask, ‘What is this check you write every month, and why is it going to someone I’ve never met?’ … If you and your spouse aren’t aligned on what’s important, it leads to conflict. If you are aligned, your plan should reflect that.”

Why These Conversations Can’t Wait

Recent data shows that peace of mind is the top motivator for starting an estate plan, especially among women, while men are more often driven by financial milestones. Yet despite good intentions, many couples delay, often because they feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to start.

One striking finding: women are significantly less confident than men when it comes to understanding key estate planning roles, like naming a healthcare proxy or executor. That confidence gap often leads to inaction.

That’s why these conversations matter. 

They aren’t just about documents or directives. They’re about alignment, clarity, and care before life throws a curveball. Marriage is a celebration of love, and estate planning is a commitment to protect that love.

So before the honeymoon begins, carve out time to talk about what matters most. Your future selves and the people you care about will thank you for it.

Interested in partnering with Trust & Will to enhance your own clients’ estate planning needs? Learn more about how you can join over 17,000  financial advisors and firms who are delivering peace of mind to their clients by offering a comprehensive estate planning solution. Schedule a free demo today.

Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.