Estate Planning for Blended Families

The term “blended family” refers to a cohabitation relationship in which one or both partners have children from previous relationships. People are often unaware, particularly in cases of unmarried couples and same-sex couples, about what they are legally entitled to when their partners die.

Having children from various relationships just adds to the confusion and often results in unintended consequences —even ex-spouses in some cases making claims against the estate. That is why you need the estate planning assistance of our seasoned estate planning team at the oldest law firm in South Australia.

At Genders & Partners, we will carefully study your family dynamics and help you work out a plan for the distribution of your estate that gives you peace of mind.

Estate Planning Strategies in South Australia

The following are just a few strategies considered by your Dulwich estate planning lawyer to ensure proper distribution of your assets and minimise the chances of someone challenging your will:

• Executors and trustees: Your choice of Executors and Trustees is very important. It might include your partner/spouse, or an adult child or possibly both in a co-executor scenario. Choosing the latter option may ease your mind if you are worried that your partner/spouse may remarry. You may also consider naming a lawyer, accountant or financial planner as an independent executor to minimise contentious family issues.
• Testamentary trusts: Setting up one or more testamentary trusts for your children can be an effective method of distributing your assets.
• A Binding Financial Agreement: this can be very helpful to minimise property distribution issues in the event of the relationship ending.
• Binding Death Benefit Nominations: Certain financial products can be arranged to effectively bypass your Will, with the benefit of added certainty in the event of a contested estate.

Adelaide Estate Planning Attorneys

To learn more about these and other estate planning strategies, including life insurance and business succession, contact Genders & Partners today. Serving the Adelaide metro area and all of South Australia, our experienced Adelaide estate planning lawyers can prepare a modern integrated estate plan that provides for your loved ones and minimises contention among family members.