Hi Aristotle
If you get married, there is no CAT between the passing of assets between spouses. She will not get everything you have though.
If you don't have a will, you get the default State one written under the Succession Act 1965. Under that, your wife will get 2/3 of your assets and your kids will get 1/3 between them.
Your two pensions are treated differently.
The PRSA forms part of your estate.
You are entitled to 4 times salary as a lump sum from your occupational scheme (your death in service is included in this). Anything over this amount is used to purchase an annuity (if you die in your late 30's, she obviously won't get a very good rate, but those are the rules!).
If you are getting a will written, put in enduring power of attorney too. If you lose your mental capacity and can not manage your financial affairs, the person with enduring power of attorney can managed your financial affairs for you. The default is you become a Ward of the Court and an application has to be made to the Wards of Courts office to access your money.
It's all a bit grim but look at the consequences if something did happen!
Steven
www.bluewaterfp.ie