Things To Consider
Estate plans consist of several documents and plans that dictate your wishes about important matters in your life and family. However, when you have a blended family, you may need to put more care and consideration into these plans to ensure they reflect your unique circumstances.
For example, if you have children with more than one partner, you need to consider the best plans for those children should you and their other parent pass away. You also need to consider who will make decisions for you if you become incapacitated: your current spouse, a child from a previous marriage, or someone else.
Estate planning for blended families should include all of the following:
- Guardianship arrangements: Documents detailing who will be responsible for your children if you and their other parent die before they turn 18
- Property distribution: Information about who should receive your assets and property when you pass away
- Power of attorney: Forms that give another person authority to make decisions about your finances or healthcare on your behalf
- Living will: Details about the medical treatments and healthcare you would and would not like to receive if you become permanently unconscious
A Michigan estate planning attorney can help you create plans that reflect your wishes while keeping your unique family situation in mind.