Yes, I suppose they fit the broad definition of a blended family, but the story of the “lovely lady” and a “man named Brady” was, of course, simply that. A story. When I turn off the TV and look at today’s blended families, my first observation is how very unique and different they all are. (Or as one estate planner remarked to me: “If you’ve seen one blended family, you’ve seen one blended family.”)

Estate planning for blended families is complex and it requires a watchful eye and a delicate touch. Clients in blended families should understand that there are important additional issues unique to them that must be addressed, like how to properly provide for their spouse without accidentally disinheriting their own kids. If there are minor kids, planning for their custody adds further complexity.