According to research, over 95.5 million people have some kind of step-relationship. Given the high divorce rates, this is not surprising.

If you are divorced, widowed, or remarried, it is very important that your estate planning documents are carefully drafted by knowledgeable trusts and estates counsel.

Why not just do it yourself?

Because in a blended family situation there are far more things to consider and your chances of getting it wrong are far more likely when there are ex-spouses, children, grandchildren and stepchildren involved.

Things Those in a Blended Family Need to Think About.

When it comes to estate planning, those in blended families need to carefully consider a number of things.

For example, if you are divorced and have young children and are remarried, you will need to think about who you will want to take care of your kids if you die. Your current spouse? Your Ex? Someone else?

Also, if you have stepchildren, you will want to think about whether or not you want them to inherit from you.

If you are divorced and remarried, you will need to find out which assets belong to which spouse.

Further, blended families must consider how they want to provide for their current spouse — if at all. Do you need a prenuptial agreement?

There are far more complexities to consider when you are in a blended family.

Work with a Trusts and Estates Attorney.

Given the intricacies that blended relationships and the trusts and estates laws pose, it is far easier to get it wrong if you are trying to do your estate planning on your own.

Non-attorneys and free online estate planning services or do-it-yourself packages cannot give you legal advice and are not sophisticated enough to handle most blended family situations. That is why it is important to work with experienced trusts and estates counsel.

We Have the Experience and Expertise You Need.

In our practice, we frequently work with blended families. We will sit down with you and go over all your concerns and answer all your questions. We offer FREE consultations. We have offices in Sedona, Arizona but we serve Verde Valley and all of Arizona. Simply call us at 928-282-1483 or contact us here.