Oh you’ve put on your super form that it is go to specific people or as per your will . Think again! Unless you have signed a Binding Death Nomination Form the faceless people in superannuation land will decide who gets what.
My neighbour’s daughter tragically died at 52 leaving her super to her mother to compensate her for the money she had given her over the years to buy a home. I saw a copy and it clearly stated that it was to go to her mother; however the Super people decided it that it should go to her partner despite her wishes and gave it to him. She hounded him until he gave her half but an elderly woman shouldn’t have had to go through that ordeal to get what was rightfully hers. He got the home outright after all!
My Mother’s friend’s son died in an accident and all his super was given to his flat mate who lived with him. They were “friends with benefits” but he had no intention of marrying her and they weren’t regarded as partners but she got it all. To her credit though a year later she gave it all back to his parents.
I also know of someone whose brother had signed a Binding Death Nomination Form probably thinking he was covered but they expire every three years so it was split up among the family and not according to his wishes.
So if you don’t want the Super Fund making choices over what you want make sure you sign a Binding Death Nomination Form and update it every three years.