Blended families are now very common but the law is very old. It is not always clear what obligations one owes to their first spouse and kids versus their second spouse and possibly second set of kids. Not all rights and obligations are ended with divorce. Moral and legal obligations exist to minor children and there can be rights and obligations arising from divorce agreements or judgments.

Failure to acknowledge these can lead to dispute. There are options to address these issues depending in the circumstances. There is also the emotional factor here, it amazes me how many children do not really recognize stepmom or stepdad as a “real” spouse of their deceased parent. It is best to define the rights and obligations in a clear will, but sometime marriage contracts are required as supporting documents to estate planning. Life insurance can also assist in the balancing act.

By Darryl Aarbo of Aarbo Fuldauer LLP

For more information, please contact the law office of Aarbo Fuldauer LLP at:

Address: 3rd Floor, 1131 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 3P4
Phone: (403) 571-5120
Email: [email protected]

Darryl Aarbo
Barrister & Solicitor
www.aflawyers.ca

*The information contained in this blog is not legal advice. It should not be construed as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you require legal assistance, please contact a lawyer*