If you are getting married again and have children from your first marriage, things can become complicated. Step-parents, blended families, all those “who gets what” questions.
“It is not just about picking out a new set of towels or figuring out whose in-laws are weirder. Protecting your kids’ future actually takes some real planning,” says Mark Sherman of The Law Offices of Mark Sherman, LLC.
In Connecticut (and honestly, this applies to many places), you have some solid options—wills, trusts, and guardianship arrangements. The point is, you can make sure your kids are set. This guide highlights what you need to know to keep the peace and keep your kids safe, so keep reading to learn more.
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Updating Your Estate Plan for Their Security
After getting hitched for the second time, or whatever it may be, your priorities might shift, but your kids should not end up on the back burner. Seriously, do not let your estate plan gather dust. Take a second to dust off that will, poke around your beneficiary lists, and set up a trust or two if you’re feeling extra responsible. Your future self—and your kids—will thank you.
If you’re in Connecticut, the default inheritance laws can trip you up big time after you remarry. So, talk to someone who actually knows the local legal maze. An estate attorney who lives and breathes Connecticut law is your most brilliant move for keeping everything tight.
Check Financial Accounts to Avoid Surprises
Check your bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance information. Your will means nothing to those, these things only care about who you scribbled down as the beneficiary ages ago. If you haven’t touched those forms since your first marriage, you might end up handing everything over to an ex or someone you barely remember.
So grab your statements and check every single account. Update those names, even if it feels tedious, future you (and your kids) will thank you. Five minutes now could save your family from years of messy drama.
Create a Trust for Your Children’s Future
Updating beneficiaries is all well and good, but let’s be realistic, it barely scratches the surface. Bank accounts and retirement plans do not always cover the unexpected expenses that life throws at your family later. If you actually want to make sure your kids’ inheritance doesn’t get snatched up by a new spouse or lost in some wild family drama, a trust is the most effective tool.
Basically, it is like putting their future on lockdown. Nobody gets their hands on it until your kids are actually able to deal with money like grown-ups. Additionally, in Connecticut, trusts are not just for the wealthy or the characters on Succession. They are handy for dodging estate taxes and avoiding the probate headaches that often accompany them. If you want peace of mind, at least take a look and see what a trust can do for you.
Appoint Guardians for Your Children
A trust secures their finances, but what about their day-to-day lives if something unexpected happens? Deciding who would raise your kids if you could not is just as important. Picking a guardian now keeps the courts from stepping in and making decisions for you later.
Without clear instructions, things can quickly spiral out of control, sometimes even leading to situations where having a defense against DCF investigations becomes necessary. Avoid that stress entirely by naming someone responsible and trustworthy to step in when needed.
Work with Professionals
Legal planning is not a DIY project when your children’s future is at stake. Lawyers who focus on estate planning and family law are crucial. They know how to draft airtight wills, trusts, and guardianship documents tailored for Connecticut laws.
Choose someone experienced in blended family dynamics, ask for references, or check reviews online. An estate attorney can ensure assets are distributed as intended, while a family lawyer handles custody or guardianship plans without confusion. With the right professionals guiding you, nothing slips through the cracks.
