Second marriages and blended families are now a familiar part of modern family life. While they often bring happiness and stability, but they can also introduce legal complexities that are easy to overlook. At Ison Harrison Solicitors, we regularly support individuals and couples who want to move forward with confidence, while ensuring that existing responsibilities, children and financial arrangements are properly protected.

Why legal advice matters in second marriages

When entering a second marriage, the legal position can be problematic. Previous divorce settlements may still shape how assets are owned, shared or passed on. Children from earlier relationships may need to be provided for alongside a new spouse, and informal understandings can quickly become points of tension if not everyone is on the same page.

Seeking advice at an early stage allows you to understand your position and plan proactively, rather than reacting to problems later. Common issues we see include:

  • Ongoing financial obligations arising from a previous divorce
  • Uncertainty about how assets should be divided or protected
  • Concerns about fairness between a new spouse and children from a former relationship

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

For many couples, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement provides reassurance and clarity. While these agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales, courts increasingly take them into account where they are properly prepared and fair.

They can be particularly helpful in blended families by:

  • Ringfencing assets owned before the marriage
  • Protecting inheritances or family wealth
  • Clarifying how finances would be dealt with if the relationship ended

Wills and estate planning

A second marriage can have a significant impact on your estate. Marriage will automatically revoke an existing will unless such was made in contemplation of that marriage. This automatic revocation can lead to outcomes that do not reflect your intentions. Without careful planning, children from a previous relationship may be left unprotected or disputes may arise between family members.

Updating your will allows you to:

  • Ensure your spouse is provided for
  • Protect assets for children from an earlier relationship
  • Consider trusts to balance competing interests and provide long term security

Parental responsibility and stepparents

In blended families, stepparents often play a vital role in a child’s life. However, they do not acquire parental responsibility. This can create practical difficulties in areas such as education, medical decisions and travel.

Legal options are available to formalise a stepparent’s role, including:

  • Parental responsibility agreements
  • Court orders in appropriate cases

Property ownership and the family home

Buying or owning a home together is a major step in any relationship. For second marriages, how a property is owned can have far reaching consequences on death or separation.

Couples should consider:

  • Whether to hold property as joint tenants or tenants in common
  • How each person’s financial contribution is recorded
  • What should happen to the property if one partner dies

How Ison Harrison can help

Our experienced family, and wills and probate solicitors offer practical, tailored advice for individuals and families at every stage of a second marriage or blended family arrangement. We regularly assist with:

  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Wills, trusts and estate planning
  • Parental responsibility and child arrangements
  • Resolving disputes sensitively and constructively

Take control of your future

If you are planning a second marriage or already part of a blended family, clear legal advice can provide peace of mind and prevent uncertainty later. Contact Ison Harrison’s Private Family team to discuss how we can help you protect your family, your assets and your future with confidence.

To see how we can help, please call our family solicitors on 0113 284 5000 or email family@isonharrison.co.uk.