The death of a loved one creates multiple emotional and legal problems that blended families must handle. A blended family needs to plan ahead for these challenges, but this requires making specific, detailed arrangements. Many families base their relationships on unspoken promises, casual agreements, and optimistic assumptions. Hopelessness sets in immediately when grief meets financial obligations. Family members end up in court battles that can drag on for several years as they fight each other. The stress of blended family life shows how relationships between family members become fragile when they encounter difficulties.
