Being a Grand Rapids, Mi estate planning attorney and being married to someone who works in the financial industry, I’ve seen the disaster that lack of planning (or poor planning) can cause in blended families (second marriages, “uncommon” children, etc.). As a matter of fact, I wrote this previous post about a very common mistake that can disinherit your children.
But don’t take just my word for how important quality, comprehensive estate planning is for blended families. Read this USA Today article about family feuds in estate planning and how they are expected to become more common due to changing demographics. In particular, read the section titled “Tangled Family Trees.” What to you think?
If you are part of a “blended family,” run, don’t walk, to an attorney who focuses on estate planning for blended families. Why would you risk waiting? Call us at 616-827-7596 today!
Michael Lichterman is an estate planning and charitable planning attorney who helps families and business owners create a lasting legacy by planning for their Whole Family Wealth™. This goes beyond merely planning for “stuff” – it’s about who your are and what’s important to you. He focuses on estate, charitable, and asset protection planning for all generations (“young” and “experienced”), the “sandwich generation” (caring for parents and children), doctors/physicians, nurses, lawyers, dentists, professionals with minor children, family owned businesses, and pet planning. He enjoys creating life long relationships with his clients centered on their family’s values, insights, stories and experiences.