Blended families are increasingly common, with many people entering new relationships later in life. While forming a new family can be a source of great happiness, it can also bring legal and financial challenges that require thoughtful planning, especially when there are children from previous relationships.

If you are part of a blended family, planning for the future is not just important, it is essential. Without clear and binding arrangements in place, your assets might not be distributed in the way you may expect, and those you care about most, could miss out.

Why Estate Planning Is Different in a Blended Family

Standard estate planning approaches might not be well suited for blended families. Every family is unique, and it’s important to ensure that your plan for the future is bespoke to you and your family. Below are five key areas to consider when making a Will or planning your estate in a blended family:

1. Wills That Reflect Your Whole Family

If you die without a Will (intestate), the law decides who inherits your estate. This can create unintended outcomes. For example:

• If you are married or in a civil partnership, your spouse may inherit most, or all, of your estate.
• Children from a previous relationship might receive nothing.
• Stepchildren are not automatically entitled to inherit under intestacy rules.
• Cohabiting partners are not provided for under the intestacy rules and may have to pursue a claim for reasonable financial provision.

Making a Will tailored to your family is the only way to ensure everyone you care about is protected.

2. Trusts That Balance Everyone’s Needs

Blended families often benefit from life interest trusts in their Wills. This can help you strike a balance between providing for your current partner and protecting your children’s inheritance in the future.

For example:

• Your spouse or partner can continue to live in the family home or receive income from your estate.
• The underlying capital can be safeguarded and passed to your children later on.

Trusts are especially useful when you are married or in a civil partnership. Cohabiting partners however do not benefit from the same inheritance tax exemptions, so legal advice and tax advice is essential.

3. Reducing the Risk of Family Conflict

Inheritance disputes are increasingly common, particularly in blended families where expectations may differ. Being clear in your planning and using professionally drafted documents can help avoid misunderstandings and protect family relationships.

Clear planning now can help prevent conflicts later.

4. Don’t Forget Lasting Powers of Attorney

Blended family planning is not only about what happens when you die. It is also about what happens if you lose mental capacity. A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions about:

• Your property and finances
• Your health and welfare

This can be particularly important in blended families, where relationships may be complex or strained.

5. Open Conversations Go a Long Way

You might want to have honest conversations with your family about your plans. This may help to manage expectations and reduce surprises later on.

Whilst decisions in relation to your estate and affairs are yours to make, keeping your loved ones informed can help reduce conflicts in the future.

Blended Families Need Bespoke Planning

No two blended families are the same. Your estate planning shouldn’t be either. Whether you are considering how to leave your estate fairly, protect your spouse, partner or children’s future, or reduce inheritance tax, seeking legal advice early is key.

Next Steps: Get in Touch

If you would like to discuss blended family estate planning, please contact our team of legal experts at John Hodge Solicitors.

We have offices in Bridgwater, Bristol, Clevedon, Wedmore, Weston-super-Mare, and Yatton.

You can reach us via our website or by calling 0800 097 8611.