Blended Families Pushed Estate Planning Into Harder, More Honest Conversations

November 28, 2025 1 min read

By 2025, it was impossible to talk about estate planning without talking about blended families. Second marriages, long-term partnerships, stepchildren, and informal caregiving arrangements weren’t edge cases – they were the majority for many planners.

And they complicated everything.

What stood out most in 2025 wasn’t the legal complexity. It was the emotional one. Families came into the process with assumptions that no longer held up under scrutiny. “Everyone will understand” quietly turned into “we should probably spell this out.”

Estate plans had started to reflect that reality more honestly.

In both the U.S. and Canada, planners saw a rise in highly customized distribution structures. Instead of evenly splitting assets or relying on default spousal rules, families opted for layered approaches—supporting a surviving partner while protecting inheritances for children from prior relationships. Trusts weren’t just tax tools anymore; they became peacekeeping tools.

Another noticeable change was how often people chose to document *why* decisions were made. Letters of intent, explanatory notes, and even recorded messages were added to estate plans. Not legally binding, but emotionally grounding. Clients wanted heirs to understand the reasoning, not just see the numbers.

There was also a shift in how guardianship was handled. Parents became more realistic about who could actually take on responsibility if something happened. Biological ties mattered less than availability, stability, and willingness. That led to difficult but necessary discussions—sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes overdue.

What changed in 2025 was the willingness to face those conversations head-on. Earlier years were marked by avoidance. This year felt different. Maybe it was economic pressure. Maybe it was the lingering cultural effect of uncertainty. Either way, people seemed more open to dealing with complexity instead of hoping it would sort itself out. Estate planning stopped being about fairness in the abstract and became about clarity in real life. And for blended families especially, that clarity was long overdue.

Richard Sanders, CPA, CA, CBV is a seasoned professional and Partner at a leading global Accounting firm, bringing over 35 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in Accounting & Finance, he has demonstrated a keen sense of the challenges to business management and growth throughout his career.

Having held key partnerships with several Accounting firms, Richard has a proven track record of success in advising businesses in areas ranging from Audit to Internal Controls, Tax and Valuations. His strategic thinking has been crucial in guiding organizations through periods of startup and growth.

As an advisory board member, Richard provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on Audit, Finance and Accounting. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s strategy and driving sustainable growth over the long term.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Accounting & Business Management from the University of Toronto. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Accounting industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Richard’s passion for success and his commitment to guiding businesses make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board.

Bob is a distinguished leader in Software M&A, bringing over 40 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in the Canadian & US Information Technology sectors, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges driving business innovation and fostering growth throughout his career.

Having held prominent roles within the Fortune 500, Bob has a proven track record of success in supercharging business growth. His strategic acumen and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in guiding organizations through periods of change and transformation.

As an advisory board member, Bob provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on business development, partnerships and strategic alliances. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s long-term strategy and driving sustainable growth.

Bob holds a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Ottawa. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Information Technology industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Bob’s passion for excellence and his unwavering commitment to the Software Industry make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board, driving the organization’s mission and vision forward with clarity and purpose.

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