Do you have a blended family? Or would you like to make sure your partner or loved one is looked after if you die first, while still protecting your assets for your own children?

A Family Protection Will can help.

This type of Will allows you to leave assets in a way that supports your partner during their lifetime, but ensures those assets eventually pass to your chosen beneficiaries (such as your children) rather than anyone else.

How does it work?

Here’s an example to bring it to life:

James and Annabel are married.

  • James has two children from a previous relationship: Stephen and Sophie.

  • Annabel has two children of her own: Margot and Robert.

  • Together they own a house worth £600,000.

  • James has £40,000 in savings, and Annabel has £60,000.

If they only had Simple Wills:

  • When James dies first, Stephen and Sophie inherit his £40,000 and his half of the house.

  • Annabel now co-owns the house with James’ children. Unless she can afford to buy them out, she risks being forced to sell the home or rely on their goodwill to let her stay there.

  • Even if everyone agrees, this arrangement can create practical and tax difficulties.

With Family Protection Wills:

  • James’ £40,000 goes straight to Stephen and Sophie.

  • But instead of leaving his half of the house directly to them, James’ share is placed into a trust.

  • The trust allows Annabel to live in the house for the rest of her life.

  • When Annabel dies, James’ share of the house passes to Stephen and Sophie (worth £300,000).

  • At the same time, Annabel’s savings (£60,000) and her share of the house (£300,000) go to her children, Margot and Robert.

This way, everyone is protected:

  • Annabel has a secure home for life.

  • Each set of children eventually inherits from their own parent.

The Trust in Practice

The idea of a trust can sound complicated, but in this case, it’s straightforward:

  • The family home is usually placed in trust, as it’s the main asset to protect.

  • The surviving partner or spouse keeps the right to live there for life.

  • When they pass away, the property is divided according to the Will, ensuring each family receives what was intended.