Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that Peggy Fossett, wife of millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, has asked to have her husband declared legally dead. Fosset, 63, has been missing since early September, when the single-engine plane he was piloting disappeared in the Nevada desert. Fossett's estate cannot be settled until he is either found or declared dead. I can only imagine how hard this must be for Mrs. Fossett, both to lose her husband and to have to go to such extremes to have closure.

None of us wake up in the morning planning for the worst case scenario; I certainly don't want you to walk down the aisle on your wedding day fretting about what might happen to your beloved. But as you make decisions about dresses and flowers and favors for your guests, take some time to talk about the difficult things.

You need a will, and so does your spouse. Talk about what you want to have happen to your money, your property, and your children (either the ones you already have or any you are thinking about having). Make an appointment with an attorney and have your wills drawn up.