How Do I Avoid Estate Planning Mistake with a Blended Family?
A second marriage can be a balm for the heartache of losing a spouse, be it through death or divorce. Nevertheless, if there are children or other heirs involved, you should consider carefully what will happen with your money and possessions when you pass on.
Aging Parents and Blended Families Create Estate Planning Challenges
We have seen some step siblings able to all get along fine but they seem to be the exception. More likely, one sibling feels divided loyalty to the birth parent, not the step-parent.
Estate Planning and a Second Marriage
Married people in second marriages with prior children often have to balance the future well-being of their spouse with that of their own children.
How Can Blended Families Use Estate Planning to Protect All of the Siblings?
No matter how solid the relationships might be, it is important for parents to be aware how blended families can create unique estate planning issues.
Blended Families Need More Thoughtful Estate Plans
When the first spouse dies, the surviving spouse may not remain as close with his or her stepchildren. Small irritations which were overlooked during the lifetime of the spouse who died, may become outright disputes.