The Problem: You die. Your spouse inherits everything. They remarry. They die. Their new partner inherits everything. Your children get nothing.
Standard "Mirror Wills" work for first marriages. For blended families, they are a disaster waiting to happen. Once your spouse inherits your estate, it becomes theirs to do with as they please.
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Run the Blended Family Stress TestReal Story: How It Happens
John & Sarah's Story
- 1. John and Sarah marry. Both have kids from previous relationships.
- 2. They make Mirror Wills: "All to spouse, then to our children."
- 3. John dies. Sarah inherits his £400k share of the house.
- 4. Sarah meets Mark. They marry. Sarah writes a new will leaving everything to Mark.
- 5. Sarah dies. Mark inherits everything (including John's money). John's kids get £0.
The Solution: Life Interest Trust
You can prevent this using a Property Protection Trust (Life Interest Trust) in your will.
Instead of giving your share of the house to your spouse outright, you give them the right to live there for the rest of their life.
Your Spouse Gets:
- ✓ Security for life
- ✓ Can live in the house rent-free
- ✓ Can move house if they need to
- ✓ Cannot be forced out by your kids
Your Children Get:
- ✓ Your share directed to your chosen beneficiaries
- ✓ Protection from spouse's remarriage
- ✓ Protection from spouse's care fees
- ✓ Protection from spouse's bankruptcy
Other Options (And Why They Fail)
Mutual Wills
You sign a contract saying neither of you will change your will. Problem: It's inflexible. If the survivor lives another 20 years and needs money for care, they are stuck.
Direct Inheritance
You leave your share straight to your kids now. Problem: Your spouse might need that money to live on, or could be forced out of the house by your children wanting to sell.
The Conversation You Need to Have
This is awkward. You love your partner. You don't want to suggest they would disinherit your kids. But it's not about trust; it's about protection against the unknown (remarriage, dementia, pressure from new partners).