Preventing Family Conflict & Disputes Over Your Estate Plan

No matter how well you think you know your loved ones, it’s impossible to predict exactly how they’ll behave when you die or if you become incapacitated. No one wants to believe that their family members would ever end up fighting one another in court over inheritance issues or a loved one’s life-saving medical treatment, but the fact is, we see it all the time.

By becoming aware of some of the leading causes of conflict over your estate plan, you’re in a better position to prevent those situations through effective planning. Read my latest blog article, where, I cover how you can prevent family conflicts over your estate plan.

Timothy ScottMay 24, 2022family dynamics, blended family, conflict, estate plan, fiduciary, wills, trusts

How Estate Planning Can Bring Blended Families Closer

Yours, mine and ours … in today’s modern family, it’s oh so common. The blended family is the product of 2nd (or more) marriages, in which one or more of the parties comes with children from a prior marriage. And then, they may even go on to have children together.

If you have or are part of a blended family, it’s important to understand how estate planning could be exactly what you need to keep your family out of conflict and in love, both during life, in the event of incapacity, and when one or more of the senior generation (read: parents) dies.

Timothy ScottNovember 16, 2021estate plan, estate planning, blended family, children, spouse, conflict

Why You Need a Trust - Even If You Aren't Rich

When you hear the words, “trust fund,” do you conjure up images of stately mansions and party yachts? A trust fund - or trust - is actually a great estate planning tool for many people with a wide range of incomes who want to accomplish a specific purpose with their money. Simply put, a trust is just a vehicle used to transfer assets, and trusts are especially useful for parents of minor children as well as those who wish to spare their beneficiaries the hassle of going to Court in the event of their incapacity or death.

Remarrying in Midlife? Avoid Accidently Disinheriting Your Loved Ones

Blended families who have yet to create a plan or fail to update their existing plan following remarriage are putting themselves at major risk for accidentally disinheriting their loved ones. Such planning mistakes are almost always unintentional, yet what may seem like a simple oversight can lead to terrible consequences.

Timothy ScottDecember 15, 2020marriage, estate plan, estate planning, blended family, inheritance

Your “Blended” Family Is Likely Headed to Court Unless You Do This

If you have a blended family and do not plan for what happens to your assets in the event of your incapacity or eventual death, you are almost certainly guaranteeing hurt feelings, conflict, and maybe even a long, drawn out court battle.

Timothy ScottOctober 13, 2020blended family, family, kids, estate plan, estate planning

Timothy J. Scott's Blog

Licensed in Minnesota