3 Estate Challenges for Blended Families

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you're a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms but typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Here are a few case studies to help illustrate some of the challenges.

Case Study #1:
Children From Previous Marriages

Simple wills often are structured to leave all assets to the surviving spouse. If your estate strategy relies on this type of will, you could risk overlooking children from previous marriages. Also, while it's unsettling to consider, the surviving spouse can end up changing a will without proper measures put in place.1

When new children join a blended family, estate strategies can get even more complicated. But with a well-structured approach, you can direct how to distribute your assets.

Case Study #2:
When One Partner Has Significantly More Assets

While the divorce rate has been trending lower, the number of remarriages (2nd or more marriages) has increased. One person entering into a new marriage may have more assets than their spouse, given that 40% of all new marriages are remarriages for one or both spouses. An estate strategy can help pass on your assets according to your wishes.1

Case Study #3:
Traditional Trusts May Not Be Enough

In blended families, a traditional trust is a good start, but it may not go far enough. One possible solution is to create three trusts (one for each spouse, in addition to a joint trust) to help address different scenarios.2

Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional familiar with the rules and regulations.

Starting the Process

Blended families are pretty common these days. If you're in that position, it's important to remember that you can create an estate strategy to address your specific situation. The first step may be an estate document review.

FAQs About Estate Challenges for Blended Families

• What estate planning challenges do blended families face?

  Blended families may have children from previous marriages or relationships, different levels of assets between spouses, and competing estate-planning priorities. A basic will that leaves everything to the surviving spouse may not adequately protect children from a previous relationship. A carefully structured estate strategy can help ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes.

• Should I have a will if I’m part of a blended family?

  Yes. A will is an important part of an estate plan, particularly for blended families. Without clear instructions, assets may not be distributed in the way you intended. Reviewing and updating your estate documents after a remarriage, birth of a child, divorce, or other major life event can help ensure your wishes remain current.

• How can I protect my children from a previous marriage in my estate plan?

  Blended families may benefit from using wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and other estate-planning strategies to clearly establish how assets should be distributed. Depending on your circumstances, a trust may provide additional control over when and how children receive inherited assets.

• What if one spouse has significantly more assets than the other?

  When spouses enter a marriage with substantially different levels of wealth, an estate plan can help address both spouses' needs while preserving assets for children or other beneficiaries. An individualized strategy can help determine how assets should be titled and distributed while taking tax considerations and each spouse's wishes into account.

• Is a traditional trust enough for a blended family?

  Not necessarily. A traditional trust may be an important starting point, but blended families can have more complex needs. In some circumstances, multiple trusts may be considered to address the individual and joint interests of each spouse and the family as a whole. Because trusts involve complex tax and legal rules, it's important to work with qualified professionals.

• When should I review my estate plan after getting remarried?

  Remarriage is an important time to review your estate plan. Beneficiary designations, wills, trusts, property ownership, and other estate documents may need to be updated to reflect your current family structure and wishes. It's also wise to revisit your plan when children are born, relationships change, or your financial circumstances significantly change.

• Where can blended families in Glastonbury, CT, get help with estate planning?

  Families in Glastonbury and throughout Connecticut can benefit from working with a team of financial, legal, and tax professionals to coordinate their estate strategy. Atlantic Wealth Advisors can help you evaluate your financial picture and work alongside your estate-planning attorney and other professionals to help develop a strategy aligned with your family's goals.

1. PewResearch.org, October 16, 2025
2. Investopedia.com, June 10, 2026

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