Marrying again after divorce or the death of a spouse may offer great personal benefits. But it also can lead to financial complications, especially if you have children from your first time around.

However, the blessed event doesn't have to be ruined by family squabbles. Discussing matters openly and deploying a range of estate planning strategies can help you develop a plan that meets your needs. Here are seven steps to help move you along:

1. Open the lines of communication. Before you tie the knot, be up-front about your concerns and preferences. Talk to each other about your intentions and how you expect to pass along assets to other family members, including any children and grandchildren. You might find it helpful to include an impartial person, such as your financial advisor, to "broker" the talks.