Estate planning is crucial for blended families and those in second marriages, as it ensures that assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. With around 1 in 5 couples forming blended families in the UK, the importance of proper planning cannot be overstated. Without it, the intestacy rules, inheritance tax (IHT), and the risk of sideways disinheritance can leave your children — or your surviving spouse — without the protection you intended.
We understand that navigating the complexities of estate planning can feel daunting, especially when balancing the needs of a current spouse, children from previous relationships, and stepchildren. As Mike Pugh of MP Estate Planning often says, “Plan, don’t panic.” Our mission is to provide clear, accessible guidance to protect families’ assets and ensure that loved ones are properly cared for — using the tools that English trust law has offered for over 800 years.
Key Takeaways
- Understand why estate planning is essential for blended families and second marriages — the intestacy rules do not protect stepchildren at all.
- Learn how to protect your assets from sideways disinheritance, where your children lose out when a surviving spouse remarries or changes their will.
- Discover how lifetime trusts and will trusts can provide for your spouse while preserving your children’s inheritance.
- Find out how to navigate inheritance tax (IHT), spousal rights, and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
- Ensure that all your loved ones — including stepchildren — are properly provided for through careful estate planning.
Understanding Estate Planning: A Brief Overview
Estate planning involves making key decisions about your assets and responsibilities, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. It’s a thoughtful process that helps individuals manage and distribute their assets effectively, ensuring that their wishes are respected — not overridden by default intestacy rules or an unexpected IHT bill.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is about preparing for the future: deciding who will receive your assets and who will take on certain responsibilities if you become incapacitated or pass away. For blended families, this is especially important because the default rules under English and Welsh law do not automatically protect stepchildren, and a surviving spouse could inadvertently — or deliberately — redirect your family’s wealth away from your biological children.
“Estate planning is not just about distributing assets; it’s about making sure the right people are protected and your wishes actually happen — not what the government’s default rules say should happen.”
In simple terms, estate planning is a way to protect your family’s future by making informed decisions about your estate. This includes considering wills and trusts that are particularly relevant for blended families, along with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) to protect you during your lifetime.
Key Components of an Estate Plan
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes several key components. These are:
- A valid will that outlines exactly how you want your assets to be distributed — critical in blended families where the intestacy rules could disinherit stepchildren entirely
- Trusts — both lifetime trusts and will trusts — which provide additional control over how your assets are managed and distributed, protecting against sideways disinheritance, care fees, and divorce
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for both property and financial affairs, and health and welfare, allowing designated individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity
For blended families, it’s crucial to consider how these components can be tailored to meet their unique needs. For instance, a well-structured will combined with a trust can help ensure that both your current spouse and children from previous marriages are provided for — without relying on the surviving spouse to “do the right thing.” You can find more information on updating your will for second marriages on our website: downieandgadban.co.uk.
| Component | Purpose | Benefit for Blended Families |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Outlines asset distribution and appoints executors and guardians | Ensures both spouse and children from all relationships are provided for — prevents intestacy rules from disinheriting stepchildren |
| Trusts | Manages and distributes assets according to defined terms | Prevents sideways disinheritance — your children’s share is ring-fenced even if your spouse remarries or changes their will |
| Lasting Powers of Attorney | Allows trusted people to make financial and health decisions on your behalf | Ensures continuity in managing your affairs if you lose capacity — vital when a second spouse and children from a first marriage may have competing views |
By understanding and implementing these key components, you can create an estate plan that not only reflects your wishes but genuinely protects your family’s future — even when family dynamics are complex.
Unique Challenges Faced by Blended Families
When it comes to estate planning, blended families face distinct challenges that require careful consideration. The complexities of blended family structures — where children from different relationships, step-parents, and new spouses all have legitimate but potentially conflicting expectations — make professional planning essential, not optional.
Navigating Competing Interests
Blended families often encounter competing interests among biological children, stepchildren, and spouses, which can complicate the estate planning process. The most common problem is sideways disinheritance: you leave everything to your spouse, your spouse later remarries or simply changes their will, and your biological children receive nothing. This isn’t hypothetical — it happens regularly.
Consider a typical scenario: John and Sarah are both in their second marriages. John has two children from his first marriage. He leaves everything to Sarah, trusting her to “look after the kids.” Sarah remarries after John dies, and when she later passes away, her new husband and his children inherit everything. John’s children are left with nothing. A properly structured trust would have prevented this entirely.
To address these challenges, it’s crucial to have open discussions with all family members involved — and to put legally binding structures in place, rather than relying on goodwill. For more information on navigating these complex dynamics, you can visit Btwc.co.uk for guidance on estate planning for blended families.
Emotional Considerations in Estate Planning
Estate planning for blended families is not just about distributing assets; it’s also about addressing emotional considerations. The emotional dynamics can be significant, particularly when children from previous marriages may feel insecure about their position, or when a new spouse may feel that their partner’s “old family” is being prioritised over them.
These feelings are entirely natural. The key is to acknowledge them openly and then put structures in place — such as discretionary trusts or interest in possession trusts written into your will — that provide for everyone fairly, rather than leaving decisions to chance or the surviving spouse’s future judgment. A well-drafted letter of wishes can also explain your reasoning to your trustees and family, reducing the risk of hurt feelings or disputes after you’re gone.
For further insights, you can explore resources on MPEstatePlanning.uk, which provides valuable information on estate planning for blended families in the UK.
The Importance of Wills in Blended Families
In the UK, blended families can greatly benefit from having a tailored will that reflects their complex family dynamics. A will is more than just a legal document; it’s a way to ensure that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected after you’re gone. Critically, marriage automatically revokes any previous will under English law — so if you’ve recently remarried and haven’t made a new will, you are currently dying intestate.
Tailoring Your Will to Reflect Family Dynamics
Blended families often have multiple children from previous marriages, step-siblings, and other complex relationships. A will that doesn’t account for these dynamics can lead to unintended consequences, such as stepchildren being completely disinherited or your biological children losing their share of the family home.
To avoid this, it’s essential to clearly outline your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets. For blended families, a will alone is often not enough — combining a will with a trust (known as a will trust) gives you far greater control. For example, you might create a life interest trust in your will that allows your spouse to live in the family home for their lifetime, while ensuring that the property ultimately passes to your children.
- Identify your assets and how you want them distributed — paying particular attention to jointly owned property, which may pass automatically to the survivor by right of survivorship if held as joint tenants.
- Consider the needs of all family members, including stepchildren and dependants — remember that stepchildren have no automatic inheritance rights under the intestacy rules.
- Appoint executors who understand your wishes, are impartial, and can manage the potentially sensitive dynamics of a blended family.
- Consider changing how you hold property — from joint tenants to tenants in common — so each spouse can leave their share to their own children via a trust.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many people make the mistake of not making a new will immediately after remarriage — or not realising that marriage revokes their previous will entirely. Even if you had a perfectly drafted will before your second marriage, it became void the moment you said “I do.”
| Common Pitfalls | Consequences | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Not making a new will after remarriage | Marriage revokes the previous will — intestacy rules apply, and stepchildren may receive nothing | Make a new will immediately before or after remarriage (a will made “in contemplation of marriage” can survive the ceremony) |
| Failing to provide for stepchildren | Stepchildren have no automatic inheritance rights under the intestacy rules and could be completely disinherited | Explicitly include stepchildren in your will and consider trusts to protect their share |
| Leaving everything outright to your spouse | Your spouse may remarry, change their will, or need care — your children from a previous marriage could lose everything (sideways disinheritance) | Use a life interest trust or discretionary will trust to protect your children’s inheritance while providing for your spouse during their lifetime |
| Holding property as joint tenants | Property automatically passes to the survivor regardless of what your will says — your children are cut out | Sever the joint tenancy to become tenants in common, allowing each spouse to leave their share via their will |
By understanding the importance of a well-crafted will and avoiding common pitfalls, blended families in the UK can ensure that their estate is distributed according to their wishes, providing peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
Trusts: A Useful Tool for Second Marriages
Trusts offer a powerful solution for blended families navigating the complexities of estate planning. England invented trust law over 800 years ago, and trusts remain one of the most effective tools available for protecting families. By utilising trusts, individuals in second marriages can ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes, balancing the needs of their current spouse and children from previous marriages — without relying on anyone’s goodwill.
Types of Trusts Suitable for Blended Families
Under English and Welsh law, trusts are primarily classified as lifetime trusts (created during your lifetime) or will trusts (created through your will and taking effect on death). Within each, different structures serve different purposes. The most relevant for blended families include:
- Interest in Possession Trust (Life Interest Trust): This is arguably the most important trust for second marriages. Written into your will, it gives your surviving spouse the right to live in the family home (or receive income from trust assets) for their lifetime — the “life tenant.” When the life tenant dies or no longer needs the property, the assets pass to your children (the “remaindermen”). This prevents sideways disinheritance while ensuring your spouse is looked after.
- Discretionary Will Trust: Gives trustees absolute discretion over how trust assets are distributed among a class of beneficiaries — typically your spouse and children. This provides maximum flexibility but requires trustees you trust completely. No beneficiary has a right to income or capital, which also provides protection from creditors, divorce, and care fee assessments.
- Life Insurance Trust: A lifetime trust that holds a life insurance policy outside your estate. On your death, the payout goes directly to the trust — bypassing probate delays and avoiding the 40% IHT charge. For blended families, this can provide immediate funds to cover any IHT bill while ring-fencing the proceeds for specific beneficiaries. These are typically free to set up.
For blended families, a combination of these trust types often provides the most comprehensive protection. As Mike Pugh says, “Trusts are not just for the rich — they’re for the smart.”
Benefits of Using Trusts in Estate Planning
Trusts provide several key benefits for blended families in the context of estate planning:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevention of Sideways Disinheritance | A life interest trust ensures your surviving spouse is housed and cared for, but when they die or remarry, the capital passes to your children — not to a new partner or their family. This is the single most important protection for blended families. |
| IHT-Efficient Planning | An Immediate Post-Death Interest in Possession (IPDI) trust created through your will qualifies for the spousal exemption, meaning no IHT is charged on the transfer to the trust for your spouse’s benefit. Your nil rate band (£325,000) can also be preserved and used on the first death through a will trust, rather than being wasted. Life insurance trusts can remove policy proceeds from both estates entirely. |
| Protection from Care Fees, Creditors, and Divorce | Assets held in a discretionary trust do not belong to any individual beneficiary. This means they cannot be assessed as part of a beneficiary’s assets in divorce proceedings, claimed by creditors, or easily assessed by local authorities for care fee purposes. With residential care costing £1,100–£1,500 per week on average, this protection can be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. |
| Bypassing Probate Delays | Trust assets do not form part of the deceased’s probate estate. Trustees can act immediately — there’s no need to wait for a Grant of Probate, which can take months. During probate, all sole-name bank accounts, property, and investments are frozen. This is especially valuable when a surviving spouse needs immediate access to funds. |
By incorporating trusts into their estate planning, blended families can achieve a more secure and controlled distribution of their assets, addressing the complex needs that arise in second marriages. When you compare the one-time cost of setting up a trust — from £850 for straightforward arrangements — to the potential loss of an entire family home worth £270,000 or more, it’s one of the most cost-effective forms of protection available.
Inheritance Laws and Their Impact on Estate Planning
Inheritance laws significantly impact how assets are distributed upon death, and for blended families, the consequences of getting it wrong can be devastating. When a person dies without a valid will in England and Wales, the intestacy rules dictate exactly how their estate is divided — and these rules were not designed with blended families in mind.
How Intestacy Rules Affect Blended Families
Under the intestacy rules in England and Wales, if you die without a will, the distribution follows a strict hierarchy. Crucially for blended families:
- Your surviving spouse or civil partner receives all personal possessions, plus a statutory legacy (currently £322,000), plus half of anything remaining. Your biological children share the other half — but they may not receive this until the surviving spouse dies.
- Stepchildren receive absolutely nothing under the intestacy rules — no matter how long they have lived with you or how close your relationship. They are not recognised as your children for inheritance purposes unless legally adopted.
- If your estate is worth less than the statutory legacy amount, your spouse inherits everything and your biological children from a previous marriage receive nothing at all.
- Cohabitants (unmarried partners) receive nothing under the intestacy rules — they would need to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, which is expensive, uncertain, and stressful.
To avoid such outcomes, it’s crucial for blended families to create a comprehensive estate plan that includes a valid will — and ideally a trust to provide additional control and protection.
Making Sense of Spousal Rights
Spousal rights are another critical aspect of inheritance laws that can impact estate planning for blended families. In England and Wales, even if you make a will that excludes or under-provides for your spouse, they have the right to make a claim against your estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The court can override your will if it considers that reasonable financial provision has not been made.
Some key points to consider regarding spousal rights include:
- A surviving spouse is the only category of applicant who can claim for more than just “maintenance” — they can claim a share of the estate that reflects what they would have received on divorce.
- Transfers between spouses are exempt from inheritance tax, regardless of amount — this is the spousal exemption. While this is useful for tax planning, it can also encourage people to leave everything to their spouse outright, which creates the sideways disinheritance risk.
- A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be relevant but is not automatically binding in England and Wales — the court treats them as one factor among many. A trust provides far stronger legal protection.
- Divorce does not automatically revoke a will — but remarriage does. After a divorce, any gifts to your former spouse in your will are treated as if they had died before you, unless you’ve stated otherwise. However, any trust arrangement you’ve set up may still be in effect and should be reviewed.
By understanding intestacy rules and spousal rights, blended families can better navigate the complexities of estate planning and put legally binding structures in place — rather than hoping for the best.
Communicating Your Wishes to Family Members
When it comes to estate planning, having open conversations with your loved ones is vital — especially in blended families where assumptions can easily lead to conflict. Effective communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your wishes are respected.
Strategies for Open Conversation
Discussing estate plans with family members can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Start by choosing the right time and place for these conversations, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and not rushed.
- Be clear about your intentions and the reasons behind your decisions — particularly where you’re treating biological children and stepchildren differently.
- Use simple language to avoid confusion — you don’t need to share every legal detail, but the broad principles should be understood.
- Be prepared to listen to concerns and address them openly. Children from a first marriage may worry about being “replaced,” while a new spouse may feel their security is being undermined.
- Consider writing a letter of wishes to accompany your will and trust deed, explaining your reasoning. This isn’t legally binding, but it guides your trustees and can reduce family disputes enormously.
It’s also helpful to involve all relevant family members in the conversation to avoid feelings of exclusion. Empathy and understanding are key in these discussions, as different family members may have varying perspectives on your estate plans.
Addressing Potential Conflicts Proactively
Even with open communication, conflicts can arise — particularly in blended families where money and inheritance are emotionally charged topics. Identifying potential areas of conflict ahead of time can help you address them proactively.
| Potential Conflict | Proactive Measure |
|---|---|
| Disagreements over asset distribution between biological children and stepchildren | Clearly outline your wishes in your will and consider a trust to ring-fence specific assets for specific beneficiaries — removing the decision from any individual family member’s hands. |
| Concerns about fairness among children from different marriages | Have open discussions about your decisions and explain the reasoning behind them. “Fair” does not always mean “equal” — children from different circumstances may have different needs. |
| Surviving spouse vs children from a previous marriage | Use a life interest trust (interest in possession trust) to provide for your spouse while protecting your children’s ultimate inheritance. This gives both sides security. |
| Risk of a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 | Ensure your will makes reasonable provision for anyone who might have a claim — including dependants, former spouses, and people you’ve maintained. A solicitor specialising in estate planning can advise on reducing this risk. |
By taking proactive steps and maintaining open lines of communication, you can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and ensure that your estate plans are carried out as intended. As Mike Pugh says, “Not losing the family money provides the greatest peace of mind above all else.”
The Role of Professional Advisors in Estate Planning
The intricate process of estate planning can be made significantly smoother with the help of specialist advisors who offer tailored advice. Estate planning is not just about distributing assets; it’s about ensuring that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected — and the stakes are especially high for blended families.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Estate planning for blended families can be particularly complex due to the various interests and needs involved. Professional guidance from specialists in trusts and estate planning can help navigate these complexities, ensuring that all aspects are considered and managed effectively. As Mike Pugh often says, “The law — like medicine — is broad. You wouldn’t want your GP doing surgery.” Estate planning is a specialist area, and generic advice from a high-street solicitor who drafts one will a month is very different from advice from someone who deals with trust-based estate planning every day.
“Keeping families wealthy strengthens the country as a whole. Estate planning is about more than just assets; it’s about securing your family’s future.”
Specialist estate planning advisors bring focused knowledge and experience to the table, helping you:
- Understand your current exposure to inheritance tax — the nil rate band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009, which means ordinary homeowners are now routinely caught by IHT
- Develop a comprehensive estate plan using trusts, wills, and LPAs that work together
- Minimise IHT liabilities using legitimate, well-established strategies
- Protect against sideways disinheritance, care fees, and divorce — the three biggest threats to blended family wealth
- Ensure your wishes are legally binding and properly documented in a trust deed and will
Choosing the Right Advisor for Your Needs
Selecting the right advisor is crucial. Here are some factors to consider:
- Specialist experience in trust-based estate planning for blended families — not just general will-writing
- Up-to-date knowledge of UK inheritance tax law, trust taxation, and the relevant property regime
- A fee structure that is transparent and published — Mike Pugh is the first and only company in the UK that actively publishes all prices on YouTube
- Strong communication skills and willingness to explain complex concepts in plain English
- Membership of recognised bodies such as the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) or equivalent qualifications
For more detailed guidance on working with a professional advisor, you can refer to resources such as this comprehensive guide.
By choosing the right specialist advisor, you can ensure that your estate plan is both comprehensive and tailored to your blended family’s needs, providing genuine peace of mind for the future.
Updating Your Estate Plan After Life Changes
As life unfolds, it’s essential to revisit and update your estate plan to reflect new circumstances. Life events such as remarriage, the birth of new children, or significant changes in assets can all necessitate updates. For blended families, this is even more critical because your family structure is inherently more complex — and the legal consequences of an outdated plan are more severe.
Key Life Events That May Necessitate Changes
Several life events may require you to update your estate plan. These include:
- Marriage or remarriage — remember, marriage automatically revokes any existing will in England and Wales
- Divorce — gifts to a former spouse in your will are treated as if they predeceased you, but this doesn’t affect trust arrangements already in place
- Birth or adoption of children — including stepchildren you wish to provide for
- Significant changes in assets or financial status — such as inheriting property, receiving a redundancy payment, or a substantial increase in property value
- A change in the health of you, your spouse, or a dependant — particularly if long-term care may become necessary
- Changes in your wishes regarding inheritance — for example, if relationships with stepchildren have developed or deteriorated
- Changes in the law — such as the freezing of the nil rate band until 2031, or the upcoming inclusion of pensions in IHT from April 2027
For instance, if you’ve recently remarried, your previous will is now void and you need a new one immediately. If you’ve had a new child, you may need to update your trust deed to include them as a beneficiary. We recommend reviewing your estate plan after any significant life event to ensure it remains aligned with your current situation and wishes.
For more information on whether you need to update your estate plan, you can visit our page on updating estate plans in the UK.
Regular Reviews: Best Practices
Regular reviews of your estate plan are crucial to ensure it remains effective and relevant. We suggest reviewing your estate plan at least every three to five years, or whenever a significant life event occurs. During these reviews, consider the following:
- Have there been any changes in your family dynamics or relationships — particularly within a blended family where relationships evolve over time?
- Have your assets or financial situation changed significantly? With the average home in England now worth around £290,000, many families have crossed the IHT threshold without realising it.
- Are your trustees still appropriate? Are they still willing and able to act? Are there any conflicts of interest, particularly between your spouse and children from a previous marriage?
- Have there been any changes in the law that could impact your estate plan? The nil rate band has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009, and further changes to IHT and pension rules are on the horizon.
- Are your Lasting Powers of Attorney still up to date with the right people named?
By regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan, you can ensure that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. At MP Estate Planning, we are committed to guiding you through this process and providing the necessary support to keep your estate plan current and effective.
This Is How Tax Implications Can Affect Your Estate Plan
Understanding the tax implications of your estate plan is vital to ensure your loved ones receive their inheritance without an unexpected 40% charge. Tax implications play a significant role in shaping your estate plan, affecting how much of your wealth actually reaches your beneficiaries — and for blended families, where assets may need to stretch across two sets of children and a surviving spouse, every pound matters.
Understanding Inheritance Tax in the UK
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on the value of a person’s estate above the nil rate band (NRB), which has been frozen at £325,000 since 2009 and will remain frozen until at least April 2031. With the average home in England now worth around £290,000, it’s easy to see how ordinary families — not just the wealthy — are now caught by IHT.
The key allowances to understand are:
- Nil Rate Band (NRB): £325,000 per person. If the first spouse to die doesn’t use their full NRB, the unused portion transfers to the surviving spouse — giving a married couple up to £650,000 combined.
- Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB): An additional £175,000 per person, available when a qualifying residential property is passed to direct descendants (children, grandchildren, or stepchildren). This is also transferable between spouses, giving a couple up to £350,000 combined — but it is not available if the estate exceeds £2,000,000 (it tapers by £1 for every £2 over this threshold), and it is not available if the property is left to anyone other than direct descendants.
- Combined maximum for a married couple: £1,000,000 (£650,000 NRB + £350,000 RNRB) — but only if all conditions are met.
For blended families, a critical consideration is that transfers between spouses are completely IHT-exempt. This sounds beneficial, but it can actually create problems: if you leave everything to your spouse outright, no IHT is due on the first death, but the entire combined estate may then be taxed at 40% on the second death — and your children from a previous marriage may receive nothing if your spouse has changed their will in the meantime.
| Allowance | Amount per Person (£) | Combined for Married Couple (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Nil Rate Band | 325,000 | 650,000 |
| Residence Nil Rate Band | 175,000 | 350,000 |
| Total Maximum | 500,000 | 1,000,000 |
Strategies to Minimise Tax Liabilities
To minimise IHT liabilities, several legitimate strategies can be employed. These are tax-efficient planning tools — not tax avoidance schemes — and they’ve been part of English law for centuries:
- Lifetime gifting: Gifts to individuals are potentially exempt transfers (PETs). If you survive seven years after making the gift, it falls completely outside your estate. The annual gift exemption is £3,000 per tax year (with one year’s carry-forward), and small gifts of up to £250 per recipient are also exempt.
- Normal expenditure out of income: Regular gifts made from surplus income (not capital) can be exempt from IHT without any time limit — but they must be properly documented.
- Trusts: Placing assets into an appropriate trust can remove them from your estate for IHT purposes over time. For example, a lifetime trust for investment properties, or a life insurance trust to ensure the payout doesn’t attract 40% IHT. A will trust can also preserve your NRB on the first death, preventing it from being wasted.
- Charitable giving: Gifts to registered charities are exempt from IHT. If you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the IHT rate on the remaining taxable estate reduces from 40% to 36%.
- Making use of both spouses’ nil rate bands: This is particularly important in blended families. Rather than leaving everything to your spouse (which defers your NRB rather than using it), you can use a will trust to ensure your £325,000 NRB is applied on the first death, reducing the overall IHT bill.
By understanding and leveraging these strategies, you can significantly reduce the tax burden on your estate, ensuring more of your wealth is passed on to the people you choose — not to HMRC.
Resources for Further Assistance with Estate Planning
Navigating the complexities of estate planning for blended families can be challenging, but you don’t need to do it alone. To help you make informed decisions, we have compiled a list of valuable resources. For professional guidance, consider consulting organisations that specialise in trust-based estate planning for families.
Professional Organisations and Websites
Several professional organisations and websites offer expert advice on estate planning. You can visit MP Estate Planning for comprehensive information on managing expectations in blended families. The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is another valuable resource, providing a directory of qualified professionals who can assist with trust and estate planning matters. You can also explore MP Estate Planning’s YouTube channel, where Mike Pugh publishes detailed guides on inheritance tax planning for blended families — including transparent pricing information.
Books and Guides on Estate Planning
For those seeking in-depth knowledge, various books and guides on estate planning are available. These resources cover topics such as creating wills, establishing trusts, understanding IHT reliefs, and protecting against sideways disinheritance. For blended families, the most important step is not just reading about estate planning — it’s taking action. A straightforward trust can be set up from £850, which is the equivalent of roughly one week’s care home fees. When you compare that one-time cost to the potential consequences of not planning, the decision becomes clear.