Estate Planning for Blended Families

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

July 15, 2023

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.


A Trust is Ideal - in Many Cases - Even for Blended Families



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.



Bottom Line: Things can get Complicated - so it's best to plan ahead


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.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Slip and Fall Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

October 28, 2025
Slip and fall accidents happen every day, often when we least expect them. While some falls result in only minor injuries, others can lead to serious medical issues such as broken bones, head injuries, or long-term disability. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Missouri, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party.  At Finder Law, LLC, we help accident victims understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges After Divorce in Missouri

October 23, 2025
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Even after the divorce is finalized, many parents face ongoing challenges as they work to co-parent effectively. In Missouri, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, which often means both parents must continue to share parenting responsibilities. At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming co-parenting can feel. Below, we outline common challenges Missouri parents face after divorce and practical strategies for overcoming them.

Emotional and Psychological Damages in Missouri Personal Injury Claims

October 21, 2025
When most people think of personal injury claims, they picture physical harm—broken bones, surgeries, or lasting physical disabilities. But not all injuries are visible. Many accident victims suffer emotional and psychological damages such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In Missouri, these types of damages are recognized under personal injury law. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the mental and emotional toll it has taken on your life. At Finder Law, LLC, we know that emotional injuries are just as real—and just as life-altering—as physical ones. Here’s what you need to know about recovering for these damages in Missouri.

What to Look for in a Family Law Lawyer in Missouri

October 16, 2025
Choosing the right family law lawyer in Missouri can make all the difference when you are facing sensitive legal matters such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, or property division. Family law cases involve not only complex legal issues but also deeply personal and emotional challenges. That’s why selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make.  At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. To help guide you, here are the key qualities and factors to look for when hiring a family law attorney in Missouri.

What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Missouri

September 24, 2025
Discovering that you have an active warrant in Missouri can be overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s for missing a court date, unpaid fines, or a new criminal charge, ignoring the problem will only make matters worse. Warrants don’t go away on their own, and law enforcement can arrest you at any time—at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop. At Finder Law, LLC, we help clients throughout Missouri resolve active warrants and protect their rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing this situation.

Minor Injury Soft Tissue (MIST) Personal Injury Claims in Missouri: What You Need to Know

September 18, 2025
Not every personal injury case involves broken bones, surgery, or long hospital stays. Many accidents—especially car crashes, slips and falls, or workplace incidents—result in soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, bruises, whiplash, and other injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While some people assume these are “minor” injuries, soft tissue damage can still cause lasting pain, limited mobility, and lost wages. If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and fight for fair settlements—even in cases involving injuries that insurance companies try to minimize.

Are Traffic Tickets Public Record in Missouri? Who Can See Them?

September 16, 2025
Getting a traffic ticket in Missouri can be stressful—fines, possible court dates, and the risk of points on your license. But many people don’t realize that traffic tickets are also part of the public record. That means others may be able to see your driving history, which can have long-term consequences for your job, insurance, and reputation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help drivers across Missouri understand their rights and protect their records when facing traffic violations. Here’s what you need to know about how traffic tickets are recorded, who can see them, and why it matters.

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri

September 9, 2025
Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a fall, a machinery accident, or a repetitive stress injury. In Missouri, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in case of a job-related injury. But what happens if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance and you get hurt on the job? At Finder Law, LLC, we often hear from injured workers in this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if your employer is uninsured.

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation in Missouri?

September 4, 2025
Being placed on probation in Missouri often feels like a second chance. Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you’re given the opportunity to live in the community under certain rules and conditions. But what happens if you violate probation? The consequences can be serious—and in some cases, life-changing. At Finder Law, LLC, we represent clients facing probation violations throughout Missouri. Here’s what you need to know about how violations are handled, what penalties you could face, and why having an experienced defense lawyer matters.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?

September 2, 2025
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I have to go to court?” The answer is yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.