Balancing the needs of a blended family with your own wishes can be a complicated task, especially when it comes to estate planning. With a majority of Americans not only marrying once, but twice, three or even four times during their lives, it is a challenge that will come to many.
Even when blended family members get along, estate planning can be complicated. The potential for acrimony among family members can be so great that some people choose to avoid addressing the issue of who will inherit what altogether. However, as any estate planning attorney will tell you, having no plan is never a good plan.
Overall, an effective estate plan for a blended family will ensure that:·
* Any ex-spouses do not inherit;
* Your own children are protected;
* You and your spouse is provided for; and
* Any estate taxes are minimized.
Estate plans are as individualistic as the families they cover, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific situation (or that of a loved one) and to answer any questions you might have.
If you have not already scheduled a Family Wealth Planning Session with our office, call our office at 530.581.5455 now so we can make sure your affairs are in order so life will be as easy for your loved ones as possible if anything happens to you.
To your health, wealth and happiness,
-Jill