Failing to plan is a recipe for disaster for all families, but especially so for blended families. 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.