Guide
How should blended families make wills?
If you have children from a previous relationship, a standard will that leaves everything to your new partner can leave your own children with nothing, because your partner can then leave it all to someone else. Wills that use trusts can provide for your partner and still protect your children.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. All guides
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The risk
Suppose you leave everything to your new partner, trusting them to pass it on to your children. Once it is theirs, it belongs to them. They can change their will, remarry, or spend it. Your children have no claim, and the outcome may be the opposite of what you wanted.
Your options
- A trust for your partner’s lifetime. Your partner keeps the right to live in the home and can benefit from the income, but the capital is protected for your children. A Property Protection Trust does this for the family home.
- Gifts of fixed amounts. Leave your children a set sum or particular items straight away.
- Separate wills, not identical mirror wills, each reflecting your own family.
Other things to line up
- Pensions and life insurance are usually paid to whoever you nominate, not under your will. Check your nominations.
- Think about who should be your executors and trustees. A neutral person or professional can avoid family tension.
- Talk to the people involved, so there are no surprises.
Do not leave it
Blended families are one of the most common sources of will disputes. A little planning now is much cheaper than a legal fight later. Call us on 01332 215 151 for a free chat.
Quick answers
Common questions
Can I leave my home to my partner for life and my children afterwards?
Yes, using a trust in your will. Your partner keeps the right to live there, and the property passes to your children later.
Will my step-children inherit automatically?
No. Step-children have no automatic rights under the intestacy rules. You need to name them in your will.
Do mirror wills work for blended families?
Usually not well. Because each partner has different children, separate wills that reflect each family are better.
Keep reading
Related guides
What is a Property Protection Trust, and how does it work?
A Property Protection Trust is a trust created in your will.
What are mirror wills, and are they right for you?
Mirror wills are two separate wills, usually for a couple, with matching terms: each leaves everything to the other, and then to the same people.
Can you cut someone out of your will?
In England and Wales you are generally free to leave your estate to whoever you choose, but certain people, including children, spouses and dependants, can still make a claim if the will does not make reasonable financial provision for them.
Talk to us
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