Blended Family Estate Planning: Protecting Spouse & Kids [Ep. 131]

Leaving everything to your spouse and "trusting them to do right by your kids" isn't a plan—it's a wish. In a blended family, a standard will is a ticking time bomb. Under Utah law, a surviving spouse who inherits outright has full legal ownership and can completely disinherit your biological children, intentionally or not.In this episode, Michael Haslam and Taylor Stone break down the exact tools needed to guarantee financial security for your spouse and protect your children's inheritance.Key Takeaways:The Remarriage Risk: How remarriage can automatically revoke your prior will under Utah Code § 75-2-301.The QTIP Trust: The single most important tool to provide lifetime income for a spouse while locking in the principal for your biological kids.Neutral Trustees: Why naming a spouse as sole trustee triggers family conflict.Three Real Scenarios: Walkthroughs of classic failures involving remarriage, stepchild friction, and special needs asset disqualification.