Every person can benefit from the process of estate planning, but it is even more important for those who are entering a blended family or have had multiple possible divorces. Blended families present unique estate planning challenges and considerations, but people who fail to update their documents in line with the new shifts in their family life, may find an unfortunate surprise if they were to become incapacitated or leave the intended family members with issues and problems in the event of a sudden incapacitation.
Most people who have gotten remarried might still have beneficiary designation forms or estate planning materials that reflect the prior marriage. It is also important to consider the dynamics of attempting to provide assets to loved ones in the future if there are now children from a previous marriage and children from a new relationship being incorporated under the same estate plan.
Clarity is crucial for families in this situation, to avoid miscommunications and problems down the line. The unique family dynamics of blended groups mean that the importance of selecting the right estate planning attorney cannot be overstated.
