Estate Planning for Blended Families: Navigating Family Dynamics and Difficult Conversations

Blended families can bring unique and sometimes difficult considerations to the estate planning process.

In this video, Partner Dena Klotz discusses some of the estate planning challenges that can arise in blended families and remarriages, including:

• Reviewing a prenuptial agreement with an estate planning attorney
• Deciding how separate and community property should be handled
• Choosing the right trust structure
• Balancing the interests of a surviving spouse and children from previous relationships
• Determining who should serve as trustee
• Planning for what happens to the family home after the first spouse dies
• Addressing expenses such as mortgages, maintenance, repairs and renovations
• Having difficult family conversations before they become a source of conflict

With her background in both estate planning and marriage and family therapy, Dena brings a unique perspective to the family dynamics that can influence estate planning decisions.

These conversations may be uncomfortable, but thoughtful planning can help families address expectations and potential conflicts before they become more difficult to resolve.