San Diego Blended Family Estate Planning Attorney 2026: Separate Trusts, QTIP & Protecting All Children

San Diego blended family estate planning attorney helps couples protect children from prior marriages with separate trusts, QTIP planning, and spousal election strategies. Free consultation.

“Key Takeaways”

• Separate trusts are the cornerstone of blended‑family estate planning. A single joint trust often allows the surviving spouse to change beneficiaries, potentially disinheriting children from a prior marriage. We recommend separate revocable trusts for each spouse to maintain control over your own assets after death.
• QTIP trusts protect children from prior marriages while providing for a surviving spouse. A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust gives the surviving spouse income for life, but preserves the remainder for the children of the first‑to‑die. This ensures both spouses are cared for and children ultimately inherit.
• A surviving spouse has a statutory right to claim their community property share. Under Probate Code § 101 (community property definition) and § 13502 (procedure for election), a surviving spouse may elect to take their community property share instead of what the will provides. We structure plans to avoid unintended litigation and ensure fairness.
• Stepchildren have no automatic inheritance rights. In California, stepchildren are not considered legal heirs unless explicitly named in a will or trust. We draft documents to include stepchildren where intended, and clarify that omission is intentional when desired.
• San Diego trust disputes are handled at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St). All blended‑family trust litigation must be e‑filed under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1 (mandate) and Rule 4.3.2 (technical requirements) using Form PR‑160. We represent clients in trust modifications, will contests, and spousal election proceedings.
• 2026 updates: AB 2016 raised the small estate real property limit to $750,000 for a primary residence, but other assets may still require probate. AB 565 now allows virtual representation for minors. These changes can affect how property passes to children and simplify court proceedings when minor beneficiaries are involved.

---

San Diego Blended Family Estate Planning Attorney: The 2026 Guide to Protecting All Your Loved Ones

Introduction: The $1.2 Million Home That Tore a Family Apart

When Michael and Susan married, they combined their families: Michael had two adult children from his first marriage; Susan had a teenage daughter. They signed a joint revocable trust that left everything to the surviving spouse, and then equally to all three children.

Michael died first. Susan, now the sole trustee and beneficiary, later changed the trust to leave everything to her daughter, disinheriting Michael’s children. Michael’s children sued, arguing that their father never intended to disinherit them. The case went to trial in San Diego Superior Court at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St) , cost over $100,000 in legal fees, and destroyed family relationships.

At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. , we see this scenario far too often. A well‑intentioned couple creates a plan that works while both are alive but fails after the first death. Blended families require specialized strategies to ensure that children from prior marriages are protected while the surviving spouse is provided for.

This guide will walk you through the essential tools: separate trusts, QTIP trusts, spousal election rights, and stepchild inheritance rules. We’ll also cover local San Diego court procedures should disputes arise.

---

Part One: The Core Problem – Why Joint Trusts Fail in Blended Families

The Joint Trust Illusion

A joint revocable living trust is common for married couples. Both spouses are trustees and beneficiaries during their lives. When one dies, the surviving spouse typically becomes the sole trustee and has the power to amend or revoke the trust.

The Blended‑Family Trap: The surviving spouse can change beneficiaries after the first death. In Michael and Susan’s case, Susan removed Michael’s children entirely. The trust documents did not prevent this.

The Separate Trust Solution

Instead of a single joint trust, we recommend separate trusts for each spouse. Each trust is revocable during that spouse’s life. Upon death, the deceased spouse’s trust becomes irrevocable, and the surviving spouse may be a beneficiary (often with income and limited principal access), but cannot change the ultimate beneficiaries.

Feature	Joint Trust	Separate Trusts
Control after first death	Surviving spouse controls all	Deceased spouse’s trust is locked; surviving spouse controls only their own trust
Beneficiaries	Surviving spouse can change	Deceased spouse’s beneficiaries fixed
Simplicity	Single document	Two documents, but more protection

Strategic Note: At Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp., we draft separate trusts that work together. Each spouse’s trust can provide for the other spouse during their life, but the remainder passes to the children of the first‑to‑die.

---

Part Two: QTIP Trusts – Balancing the Needs of Spouse and Children

What Is a QTIP Trust?

A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust is an irrevocable trust created upon the death of the first spouse. It allows the surviving spouse to receive income (and sometimes principal) for life, while preserving the remainder for the children of the first‑to‑die.

How It Works:

• The first spouse’s trust becomes a QTIP trust at death.
• The surviving spouse receives all income, payable at least annually.
• The trust qualifies for the marital deduction, deferring estate tax until the surviving spouse’s death.
• Upon the surviving spouse’s death, the remaining assets pass to the children of the first‑to‑die (or other designated beneficiaries).

QTIP vs. Non‑QTIP Marital Trust

Feature	QTIP Trust	Non‑QTIP Marital Trust
Control over remainder	First spouse controls ultimate beneficiaries	Surviving spouse may have power to appoint remainder
Estate tax	Defers tax until surviving spouse’s death	Also defers tax, but may expose remainder to surviving spouse’s creditors
Blended family suitability	Excellent – protects children from prior marriage	May allow surviving spouse to redirect assets

The “Non‑Marital” QTIP – Key for Blended Families

A non‑marital QTIP gives the surviving spouse only income, not the power to change who inherits the remainder. This is the tool to protect children from prior marriages. We draft QTIP trusts with these restrictions to ensure the first spouse’s wishes are honored.

---

Part Three: The Spousal Election – A Statutory Right to Claim Community Property

Probate Code §§ 101 and 13502 – The Election Right

Under Probate Code § 101, property acquired during marriage is presumptively community property. Upon death, the surviving spouse automatically owns one‑half. The decedent’s one‑half passes under the will or trust.

The Election Right: If a will or trust attempts to give the surviving spouse less than their community property share, the surviving spouse may elect to take their community property share instead of what the will provides. The procedural mechanism for this election is found in Probate Code § 13502 (spousal property petition). This election can override estate plan provisions.

How This Affects Blended Families

If the first spouse tries to leave all their half to their own children, the surviving spouse can elect to take their half of the community property, effectively reducing what passes to the children. To avoid conflict, we:

• Clearly identify which assets are separate property (not subject to election).
• Draft trusts that respect the surviving spouse’s rights while still protecting children.
• Use waivers where appropriate to ensure both spouses understand and agree.

---

Part Four: Stepchildren – No Automatic Inheritance

California Intestacy Rules

If you die without a will or trust, California’s intestacy laws determine who inherits. Under Probate Code § 6400 et seq., stepchildren are not considered legal heirs unless the stepparent adopted them.

Practical Implications:

• If you want a stepchild to inherit, you must name them explicitly in your will or trust.
• If you do not want a stepchild to inherit, the default rule is that they will not.

Drafting for Stepchildren

We include specific provisions:

• For stepchildren we intend to include: name them as beneficiaries.
• For stepchildren we intend to exclude: include a statement that “no provision is made for [name]” to avoid later claims that they were accidentally omitted.

---

Part Five: San Diego Superior Court – Trust and Probate Litigation for Blended Families

Venue: Central Courthouse, 1100 Union St

All trust and probate matters in San Diego are now handled at the San Diego Superior Court Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101. The Hall of Justice (330 W Broadway) no longer handles these cases.

Common Disputes in Blended Families

• Will contests – alleging undue influence by the surviving spouse.
• Spousal election proceedings – where the surviving spouse claims their community property share.
• Trust modifications – to correct drafting errors or adapt to changed circumstances.
• Breach of fiduciary duty – where the surviving spouse misuses trust assets.

Local Rules and E‑Filing

All documents must be e‑filed. The mandate for electronic filing is found in San Diego Probate Local Rule 4.3.1, while the technical requirements (formatting, digitized signatures) are covered in Rule 4.3.2. We use:

Form	Purpose
PR‑160	Probate Case Cover Sheet (mandatory)
SDSC PR‑001	Proof of Service (San Diego local form)
GC‑310	Petition for Probate (if no trust)
DE‑111	Petition for Probate (if will)

We appear in Department 61 (complex probate) or Department 72 (general probate) for contested matters.

---

Part Six: Step‑by‑Step – Creating Your Blended Family Estate Plan

Step 1: List All Assets and Identify Ownership

• Determine what is community property, separate property, and jointly held.
• Identify assets each spouse brought into the marriage.

Step 2: Decide on Separate vs. Joint Trust

We almost always recommend separate trusts for blended families. Each trust will:

• Be revocable during that spouse’s life.
• Become irrevocable upon that spouse’s death.
• Provide for the surviving spouse (income, possibly principal) but lock in remainder beneficiaries.

Step 3: Choose QTIP Trust or Other Marital Trust

If you want to provide for the surviving spouse while preserving assets for children, we use a QTIP trust with restrictions.

Step 4: Name Beneficiaries Clearly

• List children from prior marriages by name.
• Include stepchildren if desired; explicitly state if they are not intended to inherit.

Step 5: Coordinate Beneficiary Designations

Ensure retirement accounts, life insurance, and other non‑probate assets align with the trust plan. We review all designations.

Step 6: Execute and Fund the Trusts

We prepare the trusts, pour‑over wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Then we assist with funding – recording deeds, retitling accounts, and updating beneficiaries.

---

Part Seven: 2025‑2026 Legal Updates Affecting Blended Families

AB 2016 – Small Estate Real Property Limit Increased to $750,000

Effective April 1, 2025, a primary residence valued up to $750,000 can be transferred using a Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property (Form DE‑310) without full probate. However, this simplified procedure applies only to the primary residence. If the estate also contains other assets (bank accounts, stocks, etc.) that exceed the separate small estate limit for personal property ($208,850 for deaths on or after April 1, 2025), those assets may still trigger a full probate. For blended families, careful planning is needed to avoid spousal election disputes and to ensure children inherit as intended.

AB 565 – Virtual Representation in Trust Proceedings

Effective January 1, 2026, virtual representation allows a parent to represent minor children (if no conflict) and a trustee to represent beneficiaries (if interests align). This can streamline trust modifications when children from prior marriages are minors, reducing the need for guardian ad litem appointments.

2026 Federal Exemption – $15.4 Million

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025) permanently set the federal estate tax exemption at $15 million per person, indexed. For 2026, the inflation‑adjusted amount exceeds $15.4 million. This may reduce the need for complicated bypass trusts for estates under the exemption, but QTIP trusts remain essential for blended families.

---

Part Eight: Client Document Collection Checklist

If you are planning your estate as a blended family, gather:

• Marriage certificate
• List of all assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement, life insurance)
• Deeds for real property
• Prior wills and trusts (if any)
• Information about children from prior marriages (names, ages, addresses)
• Names and contact information of proposed trustees and beneficiaries
• Tax returns (for asset tracing if separate property claims exist)

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Contact Our San Diego Blended Family Estate Planning Attorney

If you are part of a blended family and want to ensure all your loved ones are protected, contact Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp. today. We help San Diego couples design separate trusts, QTIP trusts, and comprehensive estate plans that honor each spouse’s wishes while providing for children from prior marriages.

Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp.
4501 Mission Bay Dr. #3c
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 436-7544

Call today for a free consultation. Let us help you build a legacy that respects every member of your family.

---

Sources:

• California Probate Code § 101 (Community Property Definition)
• California Probate Code § 13502 (Spousal Election Procedure)
• California Probate Code § 6400 (Intestacy – Stepchildren)
• San Diego Superior Court Probate Division Local Rules
• Assembly Bill 2016 (2025) – Small Estate Real Property
• Assembly Bill 565 (2026) – Virtual Representation
• One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025) – Federal Exemption

• California Estate Planning Lawyer: Secure Your Legacy Today
• California Spousal Property Petition Lawyer 2026: Transfer Community & Separate Property Without Probate
• Best State for LLC S Corp Election for Multi-State Business (San Diego Guide)
• [San Diego Trust Asset Divorce Attorney] + Protecting Inheritance Under Family Code § 770
• How One San Diego Family Avoided an 18-Month Probate Nightmare
  
  English Subpages
  
  1. Separate Trusts vs. Joint Trusts – Why One Size Does Not Fit Blended Families
  A joint trust often gives the surviving spouse the power to change beneficiaries after the first death, potentially disinheriting children from a prior marriage. Separate trusts (sometimes called “his” and “hers” trusts) lock in the deceased spouse’s wishes. Each spouse controls their own trust, and upon death, their trust becomes irrevocable, protecting children from the other spouse’s future decisions.
  
  2. QTIP Trusts – Protecting Children While Providing for a Surviving Spouse
  A Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust allows the first spouse to provide income to the surviving spouse for life while preserving the remainder for the children of the first‑to‑die. For blended families, a non‑marital QTIP (which gives only income, not control over remainder) is the key to ensuring children from a prior marriage inherit as intended.
  
  3. The Spousal Election – A Statutory Right That Can Override a Will or Trust
  Under Probate Code § 101 and § 13502, a surviving spouse may elect to take their community property share instead of what the will or trust provides. This right can disrupt a blended‑family plan if not addressed. We design plans that respect the surviving spouse’s rights while still protecting children from prior marriages, using waivers and careful asset classification.
  
  4. Stepchildren Have No Automatic Inheritance Rights – Draft to Include or Exclude
  In California, stepchildren are not legal heirs unless adopted. If you want a stepchild to inherit, you must name them explicitly. If you wish to exclude them, the default rule already does so. To avoid later claims of accidental omission, we include a statement clarifying whether stepchildren are intentionally omitted.
  
  5. QTIP vs. Bypass Trusts – Which Is Best for Your Blended Family?
  A QTIP trust provides income to the surviving spouse and defers estate tax, while a bypass trust (credit shelter trust) uses the deceased spouse’s exemption to shelter assets from tax but may give the surviving spouse less control. For blended families, a QTIP trust is often preferred because it guarantees the remainder passes to the children of the first‑to‑die.
  
  6. Small Estate Options for Blended Families (AB 2016)
  AB 2016 (effective April 1, 2025) raised the limit for transferring a primary residence without full probate to $750,000 using a Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property (DE‑310). However, other assets (bank accounts, stocks) are still subject to the $208,850 personal property limit. We help blended families decide whether to use this simplified procedure or a trust.
  
  7. Virtual Representation (AB 565) – Streamlining Trust Modifications When Minors Are Involved
  Effective January 1, 2026, AB 565 allows a parent to represent minor children in trust proceedings (if no conflict) and a trustee to represent beneficiaries with identical interests. This reduces the need for guardian ad litem appointments when modifying trusts in blended families, saving time and cost.
  
  8. Funding Separate Trusts – A Step‑by‑Step Guide for San Diego Couples
  Creating separate trusts is only half the work; you must transfer assets into them. We guide you through preparing and recording deeds at the San Diego County Recorder’s Office, retitling bank and investment accounts, and updating beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance to align with your separate‑trust plan.
  
  9. Trust Litigation in San Diego – What Happens When Blended Families Disagree
  When blended‑family disputes arise (e.g., will contests, spousal election, breach of fiduciary duty), cases are heard at the San Diego Superior Court Central Courthouse (1100 Union St) . All documents must be e‑filed under Probate Local Rule 4.3.1 (mandate) and Rule 4.3.2 (technical requirements). We represent clients in trust modifications, will contests, and election proceedings.
  
  10. Choosing the Right Trustees and Fiduciaries for Your Blended Family
  In blended families, neutrality is key. We often recommend naming an independent corporate trustee or a trusted professional to serve as co‑trustee alongside a family member. This ensures that decisions about distributions, investments, and disputes are made impartially, preserving family harmony.
  
  Chinese Subpages (中文)
  
  1. 独立信托与联合信托 – 混合家庭为何不能“一刀切”
  联合信托通常赋予健在配偶在首次死亡后更改受益人的权力，可能导致前婚子女被剥夺继承权。独立信托（或称“他的”与“她的”信托）锁定已故配偶的意愿。每位配偶控制自己的信托，去世后其信托变为不可撤销，从而保护子女免受另一方未来决策的影响。
  
  2. QTIP信托 – 在照顾健在配偶的同时保护子女
  合格终止利息财产（QTIP）信托允许先去世的配偶为健在配偶提供终身收入，同时保留剩余资产给先去世方的子女。对于混合家庭，非婚姻QTIP（仅提供收入，不赋予对剩余资产的控制权）是确保前婚子女按意愿继承的关键。
  
  3. 配偶选择权 – 可推翻遗嘱或信托的法定权利
  根据《遗嘱认证法典》第101条及第13502条，健在配偶可选择领取其共同财产份额，而非遗嘱或信托所赋予的份额。此权利若未妥善处理，可能打乱混合家庭计划。我们通过放弃权声明及严谨的资产分类，在尊重健在配偶权利的同时保护前婚子女。
  
  4. 继子女无自动继承权 – 通过起草明确是否包含
  在加州，除非被收养，继子女不属于法定继承人。若希望继子女继承，必须在遗嘱或信托中明确指定；若希望排除，默认规则已实现。为避免日后主张“遗漏”，我们会在文件中明确说明继子女是否有意被排除。
  
  5. QTIP信托与绕行信托 – 混合家庭应选哪一种？
  QTIP信托为健在配偶提供收入并递延遗产税，而绕行信托（信用庇护信托）利用已故配偶的免税额避税，但可能给予健在配偶较少控制权。对于混合家庭，QTIP信托通常更优，因为它保证剩余资产流向先去世方的子女。
  
  6. 混合家庭的小额遗产选项（AB 2016）
  AB 2016（2025年4月1日生效）将主要住宅免于完整遗嘱认证的限额提高至75万美元，可使用继承确定申请（DE‑310）进行转移。但其他资产（银行存款、股票）仍受20.885万美元的个人财产限额约束。我们协助混合家庭判断采用此简化程序还是信托。
  
  7. 虚拟代表（AB 565） – 涉及未成年人时简化信托修改
  AB 565（2026年1月1日生效）允许父母代表未成年子女参与信托程序（无利益冲突时），并允许受托人代表利益相同的受益人。这减少了混合家庭中修改信托时指定诉讼监护人的需要，节省时间与成本。
  
  8. 为独立信托注资 – 圣地亚哥夫妇操作指南
  设立独立信托仅完成一半工作，还需将资产转入信托。我们指导您在圣地亚哥县登记处准备并登记契据，重新登记银行及投资账户，并更新退休账户及人寿保险的受益人指定，使其与独立信托计划保持一致。
  
  9. 圣地亚哥信托诉讼 – 混合家庭发生争议时
  当混合家庭发生争议（如遗嘱异议、配偶选择权、违反受托义务）时，案件由圣地亚哥高等法院中央法院（1100 Union St）审理。所有文件必须依据遗嘱认证本地规则4.3.1（强制）及规则4.3.2（技术要求）进行电子归档。我们代理信托修改、遗嘱异议及配偶选择权程序。
  
  10. 为混合家庭选择合适的受托人与管理人
  在混合家庭中，中立性至关重要。我们通常建议指定独立企业受托人或值得信赖的专业人士与家庭成员共同担任受托人，以确保分配、投资及争议决策的公正性，维护家庭和谐。
  
  Hebrew Subpages (עברית)
  
  1. נאמנויות נפרדות לעומת נאמנות משותפת – מדוע פתרון אחיד אינו מתאים למשפחות משולבות
  נאמנות משותפת מעניקה לבן/בת הזוג הנותר סמכות לשנות את המוטבים לאחר הפטירה הראשונה, מה שעלול לשלול מילדים מנישואים קודמים. נאמנויות נפרדות (נאמנות “שלו” ו”שלה”) נועלות את רצון הנפטר. כל אחד מבני הזוג שולט בנאמנות שלו, ועם פטירתו הנאמנות הופכת לבלתי ניתנת לביטול, ובכך מגינה על הילדים מפני החלטות עתידיות של הצד השני.
  
  2. נאמנויות QTIP – הגנה על ילדים תוך תמיכה בבני/בנות הזוג הנותרים
  נאמנות QTIP מאפשרת לבן/בת הזוג שנפטר להעניק לבן/בת הזוג הנותר הכנסה לכל החיים תוך שמירת היתרה עבור ילדיו של הראשון למות. במשפחות משולבות, QTIP שאינו נישואי (המעניק רק הכנסה, ללא שליטה על היתרה) הוא המפתח להבטיח שילדי הנישואים הקודמים יירשו כמצופה.
  
  3. זכות הברירה של בן/בת הזוג – זכות חוקית העשויה לדחות צוואה או נאמנות
  לפי חוק הירושות § 101 ו‑§ 13502, בן/בת הזוג הנותר רשאי לבחור לקבל את חלקו ברכוש המשותף במקום מה שמציעה הצוואה או הנאמנות. זכות זו עלולה לשבש תוכנית למשפחה משולבת אם לא מתייחסים אליה. אנו מתכננים תוכניות המכבדות את זכויות בן/בת הזוג תוך הגנה על הילדים מנישואים קודמים, תוך שימוש בוויתורים ובסיווג נכסים מדוקדק.
  
  4. ילדים חורגים אינם יורשים אוטומטית – יש לנסח הכללה או הדרה
  בקליפורניה, ילדים חורגים אינם נחשבים יורשים על פי דין, אלא אם אומצו. אם ברצונך שילד חורג יירש, עליך לציין זאת במפורש. אם ברצונך להדירו, הדין הקיים כבר עושה זאת. כדי למנוע טענות מאוחרות של השמטה מקרית, אנו כוללים הצהרה המבהירה האם הילדים החורגים מודרים בכוונה.
  
  5. QTIP לעומת נאמנות עוקפת – מה מתאים יותר למשפחתך המשולבת?
  נאמנות QTIP מעניקה הכנסה לבן/בת הזוג הנותר ודוחה מס עיזבון, בעוד נאמנות עוקפת (Bypass Trust) מנצלת את הפטור של הנפטר אך עשויה להעניק פחות שליטה לבן/בת הזוג הנותר. במשפחות משולבות, נאמנות QTIP עדיפה לרוב, משום שהיא מבטיחה שהיתרה תעבור לילדי הראשון למות.
  
  6. אפשרויות עיזבון קטן למשפחות משולבות (AB 2016)
  AB 2016 (תוקף 1 באפריל 2025) העלה את התקרה להעברת בית מגורים ללא צו ירושה מלא ל‑750,000 דולר באמצעות בקשה לירושה במקרקעין (DE‑310). עם זאת, נכסים אחרים (חשבונות בנק, ניירות ערך) עדיין כפופים לתקרת 208,850 דולר לרכוש אישי. אנו מסייעים למשפחות משולבות להחליט האם להשתמש בהליך המקוצר או בנאמנות.
  
  7. ייצוג וירטואלי (AB 565) – ייעול שינויי נאמנות כאשר מעורבים קטינים
  החל מ‑1 בינואר 2026, AB 565 מאפשר להורה לייצג ילדים קטינים בהליכי נאמנות (בהעדר ניגוד עניינים) ולנאמן לייצג מוטבים בעלי אינטרסים זהים. זה מפחית את הצורך במינוי אפוטרופוס לדין בשינויי נאמנות במשפחות משולבות, וחוסך זמן ועלויות.
  
  8. מימון נאמנויות נפרדות – מדריך שלב‑אחר‑שלב לזוגות בסן דייגו
  יצירת נאמנויות נפרדות היא רק מחצית העבודה; יש להעביר אליהן את הנכסים. אנו מנחים אותך בהכנה ורישום שטרות במשרד הרשם של מחוז סן דייגו, בשינוי שם חשבונות בנק והשקעות, ובעדכון מוטבים בחשבונות פרישה ובפוליסות ביטוח חיים כך שיתאימו לתכנון הנאמנויות הנפרדות.
  
  9. תביעות נאמנות בסן דייגו – מה קורה כאשר מתגלעות מחלוקות במשפחות משולבות
  כאשר מתעוררות מחלוקות במשפחות משולבות (למשל התנגדות לצוואה, מימוש זכות ברירה, הפרת חובת נאמנות), התיקים נידונים בבית המשפט המרכזי של סן דייגו (1100 Union St). כל המסמכים מוגשים באופן אלקטרוני לפי תקנה מקומית 4.3.1 (החובה) ותקנה 4.3.2 (דרישות טכניות). אנו מייצגים לקוחות בשינויי נאמנות, התנגדות לצוואות ובהליכי זכות ברירה.
  
  10. בחירת הנאמנים והאנשים הממונה המתאימים למשפחתך המשולבת
  במשפחות משולבות, נייטרליות היא מפתח. אנו ממליצים לעתים למנות נאמן תאגידי בלתי תלוי או איש מקצוע מהימן כנאמן משותף לצד בן משפחה. הדבר מבטיח שההחלטות בנוגע לחלוקות, השקעות ומחלוקות יתקבלו ללא משוא פנים, וישמרו על הרמוניה משפחתית.