You’re in a blended family. Your parent remarried. Now they’ve died. And you’re about to learn a harsh truth: the surviving spouse controls everything. You, the child of the deceased parent, have almost no say in what happens. This guide explains how blended family trusts work in California, what the surviving spouse’s powers are, and what you can and cannot do.

About the Author: Dustin MacFarlane is a California-licensed attorney specializing in estate planning and trust administration. He helps trustees, beneficiaries, and families navigate California Probate Code and protect their interests.

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