It depends on why you are asking this question. Technically, it is true that a step-parent doesn’t have to modify their estate plan to include stepchildren. There is no legal requirement that a stepparent has to include a stepchild in his or her estate. However, if you are asking whether an estate plan needs to be modified if your spouse wants to include stepchildren in the estate then the answer is likely yes.
Here’s Why a Stepparent Doesn’t Have to Modify Their Estate Plan
There are very limited circumstances when a stepchild will have the right to inherit property without being provided for specifically in a stepparent’s estate plan. A stepchild could inherit from a stepparent without being provided for in an estate plan only if there is clear and convincing evidence that the stepparent would have adopted the stepchild if there had not been a legal impediment to adoption. This theory is known as “equitable adoption.”
Don’t Rely on Equitable Adoption
Equitable adoption can be difficult to prove and may be contested by others who stand to inherit property from an estate. However, stepparents do not need to take their chances. Instead, they can specifically provide for stepchildren in their will, trust, life insurance, or other estate planning documents. That way their intent is clear and the stepchildren can inherit what the stepparent wanted them to inherit.
Make Sure the Estate Plan Is Properly Executed
Do not spend another day worrying about what would happen to your children if your spouse died. Instead, encourage your spouse to talk to an estate planning lawyer about modifying his estate properly so that the estate plan cannot be contested upon his death.
To learn more, read the links provided in the related link box on this page and watch our free videos.
Related Links: