Estate Planning for Blended Families: Making Sure Everyone is Protected

Estate planning is important for all families—but for blended families, it’s especially crucial. When families include children from previous relationships, new spouses, and stepchildren, it becomes even more important to have a plan in place that honors your wishes and avoids misunderstandings or conflict.
If you’re in a blended family, you might be asking yourself:

• How do I take care of my new spouse without disinheriting my children from a prior marriage?
• What if my spouse remarries after I’m gone?
• Can I prevent my stepchildren from inheriting from my estate?

These are just some of the many valid concerns you may have when thinking about your estate plan. Without a proper plan, Pennsylvania’s intestacy laws may divide your estate in a way you never intended. That’s why it’s so important to sit down with an attorney and clearly define your goals, outline your priorities, and structure your estate accordingly.
For example, you might want to:

• Leave your spouse income for life but ensure your children receive what’s left after.
• Use a trust to prevent assets from passing to a new spouse’s family.
• Designate specific beneficiaries for life insurance policies or retirement accounts.

Every family is unique, and so is every estate plan. Our team at The Law Offices of Samantha K. Wolfe are here to help you navigate this process. We’ll help you make thoughtful decisions that protect your loved ones and minimize the potential for disputes.
If you’re part of a blended family and haven’t created or updated your estate plan, we encourage you to reach out. We would be honored to assist you and your family.
Our office is located at 20 East Sixth Street, Suite 206, Waynesboro, PA 17268. You can contact us at (717) 655-2676.