Second marriages introduce complexity that first marriages often do not. When children from prior relationships are involved, estate planning stops being simple and starts requiring structure.
Most blended families in 2026 want the same three outcomes: financial security for the surviving spouse, protection for children from a prior marriage, and avoidance of unnecessary estate tax. For many Illinois families with $2 million to $6 million in assets — a level commonly reached once retirement accounts, real estate, and life insurance are included — those goals cannot be achieved with a simple “everything to my spouse” plan.
The issue is not intent; it’s control. Our Kendall County high-value estate planning attorney explains.