I have two children by a previous marriage. My wife and I have made wills leaving everything to each other, but I am concerned that if I were to die first my children might get nothing and my wife’s relatives might have first claim on her estate. How can I overcome this?
You could write “mutual” wills, which are separate but related wills providing for the children on the second death. Under normal circumstances these cannot be revoked if they are not changed prior to the first death. However this would not prevent the disposal of assets, so you should perhaps consider setting up a trust to protect your children. Alternatively you could divide your shares in the family home. These are points that you should discuss with your solicitor in detail.