As a spin off to Esmod's estate planning post, as We get older we realize we are not immortal.  We recently had a neighbor down the street, a very nice and helpful man, diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which is usually a death sentence.  One of my county co workers died of it a few years back with virtually no symptoms.

And also Chef had a recent brush that could have been bad.  A garbage truck completely smashed his parked van but he was not in it.

So we finally got around to getting a term life policy on Chef.  

Since I had stage one breast cancer last year the only policy I can get for me is basically burial expenses.  Which is actually fine with me.

As many other step mom's, I have a fear of the PASed out ferals circling like vultures coming around out of nowhere if they get wind of any money to be had..

I think that is one of our biggest fears as step moms:  that the ungrateful brats will get a penny of our money.

I also have a will saying that Chef can stay in the house as long as the mortgage/taxes are paid (I haven't decided yet to pay it off or not-- It's a great fixed rate of three percent)  And that the house reverts back to my bios should something happen to Chef--basically life use.  All the rental propeties and the biz are in my name which is as it should be--I have been paying Chef's living expenses and the entire household expenses.since the day he moved in with me.

Any wages he had would go ninety percent or more to CS.

Currently, I do pay him a token subcontract wage which is equivalent to his CS.   Not sure what to do after CS stops in January since he basically is a subcontractor for me..  Don't really want to make him a permanent employee..

Any more advice?  I plan to update my will saying I want the rentals to be sold upon my death and procceds going to my bios.  Chef's sweat equity=his living expenses from 2004 to present.  He can opt to keep the biz and put it into his name.