Blended Family Estate Planning

An important point in blended family planning: a simple trust often gives the surviving spouse full authority to amend it after the first spouse passes — which means they could quietly rewrite the plan and cut out the other side of the family entirely.

A structure that keeps everyone at the table? Have each spouse designate one of their own children as a co-trustee, so both sides of the family stand shoulder to shoulder with the survivor instead of leaving one person in sole control.

In a blended family, "trust" should be a legal structure, not just a hopeful feeling.

"This post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading it, and you should consult a licensed California attorney regarding your specific situation.”