Shannon Pawley, The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm Owner, suggests that extra care and attention are required when creating an estate plan for blended families.

DECATUR, GA, March 28, 2025: Shannon Pawley, Owner of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm, has posted a new blog on the law firm’s website entitled “Estate Planning for Blended Families: Preventing Disputes Over Assets,” in which Ms. Pawley emphasizes the importance of open communication among all family members.

Pawley reports, “The most recent 2022 statistics indicate that about 16% of children in the United States live in blended families.” She continues, “That means that roughly 40% of American families are blended families.” According to Pawley, “When it comes to estate planning for blended families extra care and attention are required. It’s important to ensure that all family members, both biological and stepchildren, are treated fairly and equitably.”

As Pawley notes, “Estate planning in a traditional family can be fraught with disputes, so imagine how that might be even more likely with multiple relationships involved. Proper planning can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts that often arise when wills and trusts aren’t carefully structured.”

“The first step in estate planning for blended families,” Pawley writes, “is open communication. It is important for the parents to discuss their intentions with their children—both biological and stepchildren—before any decisions are made. This reduces the likelihood of family members feeling left out or mistreated after the estate is divided.”

The entire blog can be read here: Estate Planning for Blended Families: Preventing Disputes Over Assets

About The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of retiring citizens. The Firm focuses its entire practice on providing strategies to protect independence, privacy, assets and taxes from the government. Shannon Pawley has grown her law practice by providing excellent customer satisfaction with personalized wealth protection plans.

About Shannon M. Pawley, J.D., LL.M

Shannon is the Owner and CEO of The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm. Originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, she grew up in a close-knit family with a strong tradition of military service. She learned early on the importance of integrity, hard work, and giving back to her community. Her upbringing shaped her desire to make a positive impact and instilled a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that every individual is treated with respect and care.

Her passion for serving others took root during her junior year of high school, when she served as a U.S. House of Representatives Page during the 101st Congressional Session in Washington, D.C. This life-changing experience opened her eyes to the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspired by the experience, Shannon decided to pursue a career in law, dedicated to guiding others through life’s most challenging moments.

Shannon’s educational journey led her to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she earned her undergraduate degree, followed by a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She then specialized further, obtaining an LL.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University. Licensed to practice in both Michigan and Georgia, Shannon is also a VA Accredited Attorney, making her a formidable advocate for her clients.

Throughout her career, Shannon has been a fierce champion for clients from all walks of life, representing everyone from international corporations to single parents. She has always been driven by a profound belief that everyone deserves to have their rights and wishes honored, especially when they are most vulnerable. Whether advocating in the courtroom or guiding families through complex legal decisions, Shannon’s mission is clear: to protect the dignity and independence of every client she serves.

Her passion for advocacy goes beyond legal representation—it’s about ensuring that people’s voices are heard, even when they may not be able to speak for themselves. Shannon is deeply committed to helping her clients age with dignity, grace, and independence, working tirelessly to prepare them and their families for the complexities of aging. Her work is more than a profession; it is a calling to serve, empower, and uplift every individual and family she has the privilege to represent.