In life, people get second chances. This can bring much joy particularly when a person is getting remarried; however, tying the knot a second time also comes with certain challenges when it comes to your estate plan and how to provide financial support for all the members of your newly blended family. Each spouse may bring different assets to this second marriage, as well as children from a prior relationship (non-joint children). Also, you may different objectives and ways to pass wealth to your new spouse and non-joint children in the case of death or divorce. Oregon law treats non-joint children very differently than joint children regardless of how you and your new spouse may feel. Therefore, it is important not to simply leave the handling of your estate up to Oregon law.

It is important that couples discuss these issues openly and express their intentions clearly through legal documents. It is for this reason; you will need a highly qualified Portland Oregon Probate Attorney who understands the legal matters surrounding estate planning for blended families. Kali Yost, a Portland Estate Planning Attorney will help you create a plan that addresses in a clear way your wishes for your blended family in writing. And, because, estate planning for blended families requires a mix of communication, candor and well-crafted legal documents, you need to hire the services of a trusted and compassionate estate planning attorney such as Kali Yost, who can facilitate the conversation and help take the emotion out of the process.

Topics you need to discuss include: any contractual and financial obligations with ex- spouses through divorce or custody agreements. Guardianship issues on how to handle ex-spouses and young children, and the long-term goals on how to provide for both biological and step-children. Estate planning for blended families reduces conflicts during a divorce, avoids court involvement during property distribution, and nurtures healthy communication. No matter how level-headed you believe your family to be, emotions run high in the case of divorce and death, and Kali Yost is experienced in handling such matters with compassion and grace, and will guide you in documenting your wishes clearly in order to avoid any intestate battles that might ensue during divorce or in the case of death.

So, please feel free to contact us today and schedule an appointment with our Portland Estate Planning Attorney at Kali Yost Law. We look forward to hearing from you!