Is it normal to leave will and pension to kids not wife?

[mummylon2]

I've been married for 15 years (together for 20). Most of that time I've been a sahm. We have two kids. We made a will 14 years ago when first child was born. My concern was who would be guardian should anything happen so I didn't really question it when my husband suggested all or our money/possessions be left to the child/future children. Silly I know but I just thought that's what everyone did.

Fast forward to him updating pension options at work when he drops in that it's in the kids name should he die. My question is, should I be worried/offended by this? Is this something everyone does? In the event of his death, I would effectively be penniless because I don't have any sole pension/savings etc.

He said it was because he assumed we would grow old. I'm not so sure, especially as we just watched my dad die in his late 60s. Has anyone else got an agreement that everything is left to the kids or is this completely off? Thanks

I wouldn't have any part of the house going to your children, why is he doing this? This means they could stop you selling or take you to court to sell to release their money from the house. Don't assume your children will be lovely about it, when money is involved claws come out.

You can leave a ‘life interest’ to the surviving spouse that precludes any of this happening. Lots of people do this.

If You own your home as joint tenants it will automatically go to the survivor. The will is irrelevant.

Leaving a share to the kids (if owned as tenants in common) could result in an inheritance tax liability (depending on value of estate).

Leaving the main residence absolutely and not on a life interest to adult children when the survivor is alive is insane. They only have to fall out or the child gets divorced and you’ve lost your house with no recourse.

Classic MN.
This question was asked yesterday, but with the genders reversed. A woman asking if she should leave her pension tom the DH or DC. Pretty much everyone said DC.
But when it is reversed....

Or don’t point it out, collect financial information then divorce him

Both mine and DH pensions are DC pensions and the children are named as beneficiaries. I don’t need his pension as I have my own.