Many of us have been married more than once, and have families comprised of your, my and our children. The needs and wants of each spouse for such spouse’s own children, for his or her step-children, and for the other spouse, need to be specially considered. Providing for the surviving spouse, yet protecting and preserving assets for the children of the predeceasing spouse, can be achieved through the use of trusts. Marital agreements are important tools in protecting pre-marital assets for the children of a prior marriage. With many of us marrying after a first spouse’s death, assuring some inheritance for the children of the first marriage is an important and achievable goal.