Every family is unique. However, you may find that being a part of a blended family comes with its own set of challenges that make the process of administering the estate of someone who has passed away more difficult. As such, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common problems blended families face during this time. If you are probating the estate of someone with a blended family, understanding how a Pasco County, FL probate lawyer can help you is critical. Keep reading to discover more about these common issues and how you can remedy them.
What Are Common Issues Blended Families Experience During Probate?
When you are a part of a blended family, you may find that there are many different and often conflicting personalities and dynamics at play. There are often hard feelings, as some may feel hurt by the decisions of their parents, harboring anger or resentment towards others in the family.
One of the most common issues that arises during the probate process is that some children may feel like they have more of a claim to their parent’s properties than others. For example, if someone adopted their spouse’s children, the biological children may feel that, because they are related by blood, they should have a larger claim to the estate of their parent. However, this is far from the truth as adopted children are granted the same legal rights under the law.
Another problem that commonly arises during probate for blended families is confusion regarding who is entitled to what assets. You’ll need to consider that spouses, children, ex-spouses, step-children and extended families may have a stake in the assets being distributed. As such, it may be overwhelming to navigate and understand which family members have legitimate claims to assets.
Finally, you may find that age gaps in families may make the distribution of assets more confusing. For example, some siblings may be adults while others are still minors. As such, this can complicate passing out assets, as you may need to consider whether or not the creator of the estate would have wanted the assets for younger children held in a trust and how to distribute them.
Can an Attorney Help Me With These Matters?
Handling the probate process on your own can be incredibly complex and overwhelming. However, it’s imperative to understand that working with an experienced probate attorney is often in your best interest, as they can help guide you through this challenging process. At the Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, we understand that you’re likely grieving the loss of your loved one, which is why we are ready to step in and assist you. Connect with our team today to discuss any complications you may have regarding probate and your blended family.