I know in some states, it's NOT an option - in NY for instance, 1/3rd of the house MUST go to the spouce - and I know there are some laws RE Life Insurance that the spouce has to get some percentage (think 1/2) unless the spouce signs off that they don't want it [/quote]


This only applies if a person dies without a Will; then there is a statutory Will, which differs in each state, that determines by law who gets what. Also, if the house is deeded jointly in both names, that supercedes anything in the Will.

As far as life insurance, the disposition is by beneficiary designation. There's no requirement that the spouse gets anything. The beneficiary designation takesprecedence over anything in the Will. If there is no beneficiary designation, then the life insurance proceeds are distributed by the terms of the Will.