Blended Family

THE OBSTACLE:

This is not a first marriage for Ben nor Sherry and both have children from their previous relationships. While there are no major issues amongst the step-children, Sherry and Ben recognize that may not always be the case. Since they met later in life and both have successful careers, they also each have significant assets and do not want that to be a source of discord in the future.
Sherry also fears that if she ever has a significant health issue her daughter may clash significantly with Ben when it comes to decision making on Sherry’s behalf.

THE REVIEW:

Through consult many options are discussed. They also bring in their financial advisor and CPA to ensure all their goals meet. Proper Powers of Attorney and Advanced Directives are recommended to address Sherry’s concerns about her daughter and Ben clashing during a medical crises. The attorney also reviews everything they already have in place to see what is meeting their needs as is.

THE OUTCOME:

Maria Ben and Sherry decide to set up a revocable living trust with one of each of their children as successor trustees to help ensure everything runs smoothly when they are both gone. Additionally, they prepare Powers of Attorney for each other, but also for their appropriate children. Their advanced healthcare directives are clearly spelled out to avoid future fights over medical care. Sherry and Ben made sure the trust would protect their individual legacies they would like to leave for their children as well.

In the end, both Jan and Fred are relieved to not be passing down the stress they dealt with from the lack of planning in their own family members and hopeful to leave a legacy for their children.

Note: the above case study is hypothetical and does not include an actual Janelle Creme, PLLC client. No portion of the content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience the same or certain level of results or satisfaction if Janelle Creme, PLLC is engaged to provide legal services.

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