With more families than ever bringing together children from previous relationships, estate planning has become increasingly complex. Without the right legal structures in place, blended families can face unintended consequences that leave loved ones without the protection you intended.
Understanding the Risks
When you marry or enter into a civil partnership, your existing Will is automatically revoked. This means that, without a new Will, the law—rather than your wishes—will determine who inherits your estate. For blended families, this can have significant and unintended consequences, potentially leaving a partner without adequate provision or children from a previous relationship missing out on their inheritance entirely. With careful planning, these risks can be managed.
How Taylor Rose Can Help:
Wills
A well-drafted Will is the cornerstone of protecting your family. We can help you create a Will that balances the needs of your current partner with the interests of children from earlier relationships, ensuring everyone is provided for in a way that reflects your true wishes.
We can also incorporate a Life Interest Trust within your Will, which allows your partner to benefit from your estate during their lifetime, with the remaining assets then passing to your children. This provides security for your partner without inadvertently disinheriting the next generation.
Property and Declarations of Trust
If you own a property with a new partner, it is essential to understand how to legally structure your ownership. There are two ways in which a property can be owned:
- Joint Tenants: if you own your property as joint tenants, upon death the asset automatically passes to the surviving joint owner, outside of your estate.
- Tenants in Common: each owner holds a specific share of the property, and upon your death your share is dealt with by your estate.
If you own property with a partner, a Declaration of Trust clearly sets out each person’s share and how it should be dealt with in the future, providing invaluable protection for both parties and any children involved.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
An LPA ensures that if you can no longer make your own decisions, someone you trust has the legal authority to step in and act on your behalf.
For blended families, this is a vital safeguard. Without a clear plan and documented wishes, family dynamics may lead to conflict. Taking the time to carefully choose your attorneys now can prevent unnecessary stress, ambiguity and family disputes during an already emotional time.
Getting the Right Support
Our Private Client team understands that these conversations aren’t always easy. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances and provide clear, practical advice tailored to your family, whether in our offices or in the comfort of your own home.
If you’re part of a blended family and want to make sure your loved ones are protected, we’re here to help.
Meet Our Team:
Krystal Ramsammy – Partner and Commercial Head of Private Client, specialising in wills, probate, estate planning, trusts and LPAs. Nominated for Probate Lawyer of the Year 2026.
Jacob Robinson – Partner and Technical Head of Private Client, advising on wills, probate, estate planning, trusts and power of attorney with a focus on clear and practical legal advice.
Danielle McMahon – Solicitor in our Private Client team, advising on wills, estate administration and LPAs. Nominated for Rising Star Award 2026.
Contact our Private Client team today
T: 020 3540 4444 | E: [email protected] | W: taylor-rose.co.uk
About Taylor Rose
Taylor Rose is a top 60 independent law firm with over 1,700 experts operating from offices nationwide. We build trusted relationships with people and organisations to successfully overcome hurdles and challenges in life and in business. Whether you are a commercial or individual client, our professionals will put you at the heart of our business. From the everyday to the most complex issues, our experts will provide you with clear, concise advice.