As a blended family, you and your partner have cultivated connections with both your own children and stepchildren. So how can you ensure that your legacy is just as inclusive as your daily life? By estate planning with your unique circumstances in mind, you can ensure no one is left out after you pass. Use the following guide to start making informed decisions for the future.

Estate Planning Basics for Combined Families

Living Wills

The first part of estate planning is to consider your wishes for your passing and the period directly preceding it. For example, if you are incapacitated and unable to make medical decisions for yourself, you’ll want someone in your family to take over that responsibility, ensuring your preferences are followed. If you’re newly remarried, you may consider leaving this responsibility to one of your children, to avoid conflict between them and their stepmom or dad.

Trusts

To ensure that your new spouse, children, and stepchildren are all taken care of after you’re gone, set up a trust. This way, you can leave money, property, or other assets to each member of your blended family, without your spouse or children immediately taking control of the entire estate.

Life Insurance

If you pass away and your spouse takes control of your estate, there may be nothing left for the children and stepchildren once your husband or wife passes. Luckily, you can name your children and stepchildren as beneficiaries of your life insurance policy, so they receive an inheritance after you pass. 

Consequences of Not Making Estate Changes

Without these measures in place, the state will take over your estate once you pass and will divide it among the members of your blended family according to the local laws. In this case, your spouse or children might not receive the relative amounts you had in mind, and your stepchildren could be left out altogether. If you’ve already drawn up a will, make sure to revise it to include the new additions to your family so you can avoid this issue.

If you’re eager to get a head-start on the estate planning process, reach out to Stuart R. Norman Jr. today. This Jewett City, CT, attorney has over four decades of experience in the legal industry, catering to everything from real estate to elder law cases. He has the skills to help you plan for an inclusive future for your family. To learn more about his practice areas, visit the website or call (860) 376-0069.