04/27/2026
In 2026, many households are "blended," bringing together children from previous relationships and current marriages. This creates a unique legal challenge: how do you provide for your spouse while ensuring your biological children are not accidentally disinherited?
Consider these strategies:
➡️ Irrevocable Trusts: These can be structured to provide income for a surviving spouse during their lifetime, while guaranteeing the remaining principal eventually goes to your children.
➡️ Neutral Trustees: To avoid family friction, consider naming a professional or neutral third-party trustee rather than a family member who may have competing loyalties.
➡️ Updated Beneficiaries: Remember that life insurance and 401(k) designations often override what is written in your Will. If you haven't looked at these since a remarriage, your legacy might not go where you intend.
A little extra care in the planning stage can prevent a lifetime of family conflict later.
At James A. Jones, Attorney at Law, we specialize in creating fair, clear solutions for every kind of family.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your family's unique estate planning needs.