Blended Family Plan

A second marriage? Provide for everyone you love.

Leaving everything to your new spouse feels simple, but it can quietly disinherit your own children. Once it is your spouse’s, your spouse decides where it goes. A Blended Family Plan provides for your spouse for life, then delivers your share to your children.

Call (844) 544-PLAN to schedule

The short answer

A trust can give your spouse income and a home for life, then pass the remainder to your children. That is often the only way to do both.

Do this first

✓List what each of you brought into the marriage

✓Write down each spouse’s children

✓Think about who should serve as trustee with your spouse

What happens without a plan

Everything to your spouse

Without a plan

Your spouse can later leave it all to their own children or a new spouse.

With the Blended Family Plan

A trust holds your share for your spouse, then your children.

Family tension

Without a plan

Children and a stepparent may disagree, and it can end up in court.

With the Blended Family Plan

Clear written rules and an independent co-trustee prevent most conflict.

Beneficiary forms

Without a plan

Retirement accounts may pass to one person with no strings attached.

With the Blended Family Plan

We coordinate every form with the plan.

What the plan includes

What your Blended Family Plan includes

Revocable living trust with a family trust

Provides for your spouse, then your children.

Credit shelter or marital trust provisions

Protects each spouse’s share and, for larger estates, saves tax.

Right to live in the home

Your spouse can stay in the home for life or a set period.

Independent co-trustee

A neutral person for decisions your spouse should not make alone.

Wills and powers of attorney

Coordinated so nothing conflicts.

Prenuptial or marriage contract review

We coordinate the plan with any agreement you have.

Questions

Common questions

Every family is different. A 15-minute call with a licensed attorney answers the rest.

MississippiCredit Shelter Trust Guide: Mississippi→ LouisianaCredit Shelter Trust Guide: Louisiana→ Washington, D.C.Credit Shelter Trust Guide: Washington, D.C.→

Can I provide for my spouse and still protect my children?

Yes. That is exactly what a trust in a blended family plan does.

Can my spouse be trustee?

Often, yes, with an independent co-trustee for certain decisions.

What about Louisiana forced heirs?

In Louisiana, a child 23 or younger or a disabled child has a guaranteed share. We build that in.

Do we need separate plans?

Often one joint trust with separate shares works well. We will tell you which fits.

Take care of everyone, in writing.

In 15 minutes, a licensed attorney will tell you what your family needs and quote the flat fee in writing.

Call to schedule