Blended families are more common than ever, and with that comes a host of new considerations when it comes to inheritance. A recent article in the Telegraph highlighted a cautionary tale: a woman believed her mother’s property abroad was meant to pass to her and her brother, only to discover that, legally, everything went to her stepfather. It wasn’t an act of dishonesty on his part; rather, there was simply no updated will clarifying her mother’s true wishes.

The Problem

When a loved one dies without a properly updated will, disputes are often inevitable. This can be especially difficult in second marriages, where stepchildren and half-siblings might have different expectations about what they should inherit. According to recent figures, a large portion of adults do not have a valid will in place—some estimates put it as high as 70–75%. This lack of clarity frequently leads to anxiety, strained relationships, and unexpected legal battles.

Real-Life Consequences

In the recent example referred to above, the mother’s stepfather legally took ownership of a family property abroad. Though he was simply following inheritance laws, Rachel (the daughter) was devastated because her mother’s informal wish was for the property to remain with her children. Since the mother had not updated her will after remarriage, the default rules of inheritance prevailed.

These stories are not rare:

• Elderly parents might assume their verbal instructions will suffice, but verbal agreements don’t always carry legal weight.
• Family members who contribute finances or skills to maintain a property may feel entitled to a share later on.
• Complex estates, such as farms and family businesses, can multiply the potential for confusion and conflict.

What You Can Do

1. Review and Update Your Will Regularly
   • Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant asset purchase should trigger a prompt review of your will.
2. Seek Professional Advice
   • We can help you understand the specific estate planning issues that concern you and can help you create a robust will that reflects your changing situation.
3. Communicate with Your Family
   • While the contents of a will are personal, discussing broad intentions (in general terms) with close relatives can help set expectations and reduce shock or conflict later on.
4. Consider the Needs of All Dependents
   • In a blended family, more people may be financially dependent on you—so ensuring clarity is vital.

Conclusion

For blended families, inheritance disputes are a real risk when a will is not kept up to date. As the example referred to above highlights, heartbreak and conflict often arise—not because of any underhand behaviour, but simply due to outdated legal documents.

If you haven’t updated your will since a major life change, or if you have never created one, consider making it a priority. A clear and current will is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones, helping them avoid stress and financial uncertainty after you’re gone. Click here to schedule a call with me if you think it’s time for you to make a new will.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information only and should not be taken or relied upon as legal advice.