Blended Families & Wills – Ensuring Fairness Between Children and Stepchildren

Blended families are now more common than ever, but without the right Will in place, stepchildren can be unintentionally left out. Discover how Newlife Wills helps Kent families create fair, protective Wills that safeguard everyone’s future.

A Modern Family Challenge

Many families today are beautifully blended with children from previous relationships, new marriages, and shared homes. But when it comes to Wills and inheritance, this can make things more complex.

Without clear planning, stepchildren do not automatically inherit, and unintentional unfairness can arise especially if one partner passes away first.

At Newlife Wills, we help families across Kent, from Thanet to Canterbury, ensure that everyone they love is protected and treated fairly.

What Happens Without the Right Will

If someone dies without a Will (known as intestate), only biological and legally adopted children have an automatic right to inherit. That means a stepchild could receive nothing, even if they’ve been raised as part of the family for years.

Equally, if one partner dies and everything passes directly to the survivor, there’s a risk that the children from the first relationship could be disinherited, particularly if the surviving spouse later remarries or changes their Will.

Creating Fairness with the Right Trust

One of the most effective ways to balance things fairly is through a Life Interest Trust Will or Property Protection Trust.

These structures can:

• Allow your current partner to remain living in the home for life

• Protect your share of the property for your own children in the future

• Give peace of mind that no one can be disinherited unintentionally

  
  

At Newlife Wills, we explain each option clearly, helping you choose the right trust structure for your family’s needs.

Real-Life Example

A client in Broadstairs recently came to us after marrying for the second time. She wanted her new husband to stay in their home if she passed away first but she also wanted her two grown-up children from her first marriage to inherit her share eventually.

We created a Property Protection Trust Will, giving her husband a right to live in the property for life, with her children inheriting her share after his death. Everyone’s interests were protected and tensions avoided.

Reviewing Your Will Regularly

Family circumstances change. Whether you’ve remarried, had more children, or simply want to check that your Will still reflects your wishes, it’s vital to review your Will every few years.

At Newlife Wills, we offer a Will review service to help ensure your plans stay up-to-date and fully protective.

Why Choose Newlife Wills

✅ Local Kent specialists in Will writing and estate planning

✅ Expertise in blended family and trust structures

✅ Safe document storage and annual reminders

✅ Clear, friendly advice - no jargon

We believe every family deserves fairness, clarity, and peace of mind.

Let’s Protect Your Family’s Future

If you have a blended family, don’t leave it to chance.

Contact Newlife Wills today to create a Will that ensures everyone you love is treated fairly.

📞 Call 01843 269165

📧 rob@newlifewills.co.uk

🌐 www.newlifewills.co.uk