9113 / What is a blended family?

The term “blended family” can encompass any number of modern family structures. Most commonly, the term refers to individuals who have remarried after prior marriages have ended in divorce. These couples may have children from prior marriages, and may have children together, potentially resulting in a situation where individuals may wish to provide for children from both current and prior marriages, and also stepchildren. Each client may wish to ensure that his or her own children (rather than stepchildren) are provided for in the event that they are the first-to-die spouse, but may concurrently wish to provide for their surviving spouse even if their own children are the ultimate beneficiaries.