Second marriage, children and wills: where families fall out
Second marriages and blended families are one of the biggest reasons to get proper will advice.
This is where life is not simple.
There may be children from a first relationship, children from a second relationship, stepchildren, a new spouse, an ex spouse, jointly owned property, family money, business assets or a home that one person brought into the marriage.
Without a clear will, it can become a family argument waiting to happen.
The common worry is this:
“If I leave everything to my spouse, will my children still inherit later?”
Sometimes that may be fine. Sometimes it may not be.
For example, a person may want their spouse to be protected during their lifetime, but also want their children to benefit eventually. If the will is not planned properly, assets could pass in a way that was never intended.
There is also the risk of remarriage, care costs, family disputes, changed wills and pressure from different sides of the family.
Nobody likes talking about this because it feels uncomfortable. But the uncomfortable conversation now can prevent a much worse conversation later.
A will can help set out your wishes clearly. It can name executors, deal with your share of property, provide for children, protect a spouse and reduce the chance of confusion.
In some cases, trust planning may be discussed. That needs proper advice because the wrong setup can cause tax, legal or practical problems.
Blended family planning should never be treated as a quick form filling exercise. It needs careful thought.
The goal is not to create division. The goal is to avoid it.
Families often fall out after death because nobody wrote things down clearly while they were alive.
A proper will is not just about who gets what. It is about reducing the chance of the people you love being dragged into a fight after you are gone.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Your own circumstances may be different, so always speak to a suitably qualified professional before making decisions about wills, estate planning or inheritance.