While divorce was once considered taboo, today, as we all know, it is beyond common. If the marriage generated kids, more often than not, it should make estate planning more complicated because there are additional issues to consider. Whether it is husband’s/dad’s new girlfriend who might become his wife; or wife/mom’s fiancé or new husband, the potential for new children and the addition of step-children has added a whole new dimension to estate planning.

Many of us avoid the topic of our own demise. The ever present question mark that looms over this topic leads to an inevitable avoidance. In recognition of this, I try my best to make each and every one of my clients as comfortable as possible during the process of creating an estate plan. Despite this, many individuals will never even make it into my office. In order to eliminate some of the fear that goes hand in hand with discussing these matters I decided to outline a few issues that are helpful to consider before meeting with a Wills and Trusts attorney. To fear the unknown is also human, and my hopes is that providing the basic background to your first meeting will give you the confidence to address your estate planning needs and take that first step.