In second marriages, loyalty, authority, and inheritance don’t always align. The individual holding decision-making power during incapacity may not be the one the client ultimately intends to benefit. Careful drafting of EPAs and Personal Directives can help prevent unintended disinheritance, conflict between step-parents and adult children, and costly litigation. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program titled Estate Planning for Blended Families on April 22, 2026. Total running time is 1 hour.

Being part of a blended family can give rise to unique circumstances and considerations, especially when it comes to estate planning. Lawyers serving clients with these family dynamics must take special care when offering their advice. This program explores the intersection of family law and wills & estates law. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program titled Estate Planning for Blended Families on April 22, 2026. Total running time for the presentations ranges between 53 minutes to 1 hour.

This presentation explores strategies for drafting power of attorney and personal directive documents for blended families. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program on April 26, 2023 as part of our Estate Planning for Blended Families program.

Topics will include:

• Spousal trusts
• Spousal support and child support obligations after death
• Family home considerations, including Wills & Succession Act and Dower Act issues
• Advising clients with cohabitation agreements, property agreements, pre-nuptial agreements
• Enduring powers of attorney and personal directives
• Best practices for representing blended families

This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program on April 26, 2023.

The Alberta Wills and Estates Practice Manual is a comprehensive resource for any wills and estates practitioner. This two-part manual contains essential information and practical tips on estate planning and administration, including surrogate forms and procedures. Whether you are drafting a will or probating one, this manual is a go-to resource.

These materials include a helpful checklist to address issues that may arise when drafting power of attorney and personal directive documents in these situations. Issues discussed include: who to appoint as attorney or agent, when should the document(s) come into effect, dispute resolution, authority of the attorney or agent, accounting by the attorney and to whom, living situation or treatment preferences, and more. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Estate Planning for Blended Families program in Edmonton on April 26, 2023