Blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Many people assume that a simple will is enough to take care of their loved ones, but for blended families, wills often fall short. Without careful planning, children from a prior relationship can be unintentionally disinherited, or a surviving spouse may be left in a precarious financial position. Careful planning with an Issaquah, WA estate planning lawyer can help to make sure that this does not happen to you and your family,
Why Wills Alone Don’t Work Well For Blended Families
A will directs who inherits your assets when you die, but it doesn’t protect against certain family dynamics. For example, if you leave everything to your spouse in your will, you may trust that they’ll “do the right thing” and provide for your children from a previous marriage. But once your assets are legally theirs, they can change their own will — and there’s no guarantee your children will receive what you intended.
On the other hand, if you leave assets directly to your children, your surviving spouse may be left without enough support. It’s a balancing act that wills simply aren’t designed to manage well.
Two Different Kinds Of Trusts
This is where trusts come in — and it’s important to understand that not all trusts serve the same purpose.
A revocable living trust is essentially a will substitute. It allows you to avoid probate and keep your affairs private, but it doesn’t lock in how your assets are ultimately distributed. You can amend or revoke it at any time during your life.
An irrevocable spousal trust (sometimes called a marital trust, or just a carefully crafted spousal trust) is different. This kind of trust is often used in blended families because it allows you to provide for your surviving spouse during their lifetime, while also preserving an inheritance for your children. Unlike a revocable trust, once you’ve passed, the rules you’ve set in this trust can’t be undone. That makes sure your wishes are carried out, even if family circumstances change.
The Washington Twist
Washington adds its own layer of complexity. Our state estate tax applies at a lower threshold than the federal tax, and Washington doesn’t allow “portability” between spouses. That means if you don’t plan carefully, one spouse’s exemption can be lost entirely, leading to unnecessary taxes. For blended families, where both protecting a spouse and preserving inheritances matter, this makes intentional planning even more critical.
Why The Right Legal Guidance Matters
Every blended family looks different. Some couples want to prioritize the surviving spouse’s security, while others want to make sure children from prior relationships are guaranteed an inheritance. Often, the best solutions require a thoughtful mix of revocable and irrevocable trust planning, coordinated beneficiary designations, and careful attention to Washington’s estate tax rules.
A lawyer experienced in blended family planning can help you weigh these priorities, design a plan that balances them, and give you confidence that both your spouse and your children will be cared for according to your wishes.
Eastside Estate Planning offers comprehensive estate planning services for blended and traditional families including drafting wills, forming trusts, tax advice and probate services. We offer free telephone consultations and transparent, flat-fee packages. Reach out to us today or anytime you are ready.
