Understanding The Legal Realities of A Blended Family!

Family law attorneys find that when previously married spouses with kids come together, the resulting blended family can be a wonderful situation for all involved.

They also know that there are times when blended families do not work out in the way that spouses initially intended them to be.

When spouses with kids from a previous marriage decide to divorce again and break up a blended family, family law attorneys often see confusion in terms of the legal obligations of each spouse afterward.

To avoid this confusion, family law attorneys suggest that couples understand the legalities of being in a blended family as well as what to expect upon leaving one to reduce the complications later should the marriage end in a divorce.

Discuss Expectations About the Children Ahead Of Time

Bringing families together into one unit through marriage can be great for everyone involved.

Still, family law attorneys stress that parents should discuss at length their expectations for each of their children within the family unit should a divorce happen.

It is easy to assume that two parents who are now married will treat all included children the same with regard to care, financial support, college educations, weddings, and other issues.

Blended family situations can be very different, especially if there is child support coming in from other parents, co-parenting that must also be considered, and other concerns.

Family law attorneys strongly encourage couples looking to marry and create a blended family of children and stepchildren to address all of these issues before marrying and come to important agreements about the issues that will affect each child as well as their family life and finances.

The Legalities of Supporting Children and Stepchildren

Obviously, parents in a blended marriage will be supporting their children and stepchildren as agreed during the relationship; however, family law attorneys stress the importance of considering what happens should spouses decide to divorce.

It is important that both spouses understand that there is no legal requirement for a spouse to continue supporting a step-child from a blended family as they are only required to consider supporting their own children, whether from a previous marriage, the current one, or both.

A second important point about the legalities of blended families revolves around the behavior of step-children, specifically those who become a serious problem within the family.

The law supports a parent’s right to limit or refuse contact between their children and a problematic stepchild who becomes a danger through drug addiction, disrespectful behavior, mental illness, or other reasons.

Family law attorneys see that these circumstances can add stress to the marriage if not discussed ahead of time, with some sort of plan already in place in the event something like this were to happen.

Avoid Problems With A Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement

Considering the many disagreements that can potentially arise regarding the care, parenting, and support of children and step-children within a blended family situation, family law attorneys frequently recommend that spouses sign a prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement if they are already married.

These agreements can be negotiated with a family law attorney before the stress of relationship issues can affect clear decision-making and provide the best way for spouses to understand their legal responsibilities to their natural and stepchildren during and after their marriage.

This can be especially important in cases where family assets might be used to pay for things like college, weddings, and other needs, as these funds might be subject to reimbursement claims in a divorce.

Make A Blended Family Plan With A Family Law Attorney

There are numerous challenges family law attorneys see spouses facing when forming a blended family with their respective children.

By planning out this complex relationship with a family law attorney who is experienced in the legalities, parents will have one less stressor to worry about.

From helping parents understand their legal rights and responsibilities in a blended family to how to prepare for the futures of all of their children, a compassionate family law attorney can be a valuable asset.