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.

 

 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

About Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP

Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP is the CEO and Founding Partner of O'Connell Law, an estate planning and elder law firm serving clients across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She is one of a select group of attorneys in Massachusetts certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). Tiffany focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, Alzheimer's planning, charitable planning, and retirement and wealth strategies. She has been helping families plan for their futures since opening her practice in 2010.

Credentials: JD, LLM, CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney — National Elder Law Foundation), AEP (Accredited Estate Planner)

Licensed in: Massachusetts

Areas of Practice: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Alzheimer's Planning, Asset Protection

View all posts by Tiffany A. O'Connell, JD, LLM, CELA, AEP →

Comments are closed.