Estate Planning for Blended Families

Today’s typical estate planning needs can be more challenging than they were several decades ago because blended families are becoming more common. No matter what your family structure looks like, everyone wants to ensure that their assets are protected, and they are given to the people of your choosing. However, in a blended family, it is even more important to have estate planning that establishes your wishes to reduce conflict and costly, delayed results due to the probate process.

In many cases, a trust is the ideal way to handle one’s estate planning- especially if you own any valuable assets or have very specific wishes about who you want to make decisions. Trusts will include a document called a Health Care Directive. This document will name who you wish to make decisions regarding your health if you are unable to do so yourself. Another document commonly included in trusts is a Durable Power of Attorney. This will name a representative to make financial decisions upon your passing. This does not have to be the same person you choose to make health care decisions. In a blended family, with so many more people involved, naming who you want making which decisions upon your death can be extremely valuable so you can be confident that your wishes are being followed when you are not here to make those decisions yourself.

In the case of blended families, financial decisions can be quite complex. A new spouse may feel they are entitled to more than your children feel they are, so making that decision prior to your death can help avoid hurt feelings or confusion. If your spouse and children know exactly what they are entitled to when you pass away, that can help them make better financial plans for their future. If you feel there is a strong likelihood of there being conflict between family members upon your passing, you may even want to appoint a third-party fiduciary who is not emotionally involved in the outcome.



Blended families have unique estate planning considerations, so working with an experienced attorney to create a specific plan will alleviate a lot of stress in the event of your passing. You don’t want to leave your loved ones in a state of confusion that can create hurt feelings and prolonged outcomes. An experienced estate planning attorney, like Daniel Finder at Finder Law, can help with estate planning that meets the unique goals and needs of your family. Daniel Finder has over a decade of experience in estate planning & can help ensure your assets are protected. 

Call us today to schedule an estate planning consultation.