Blended Families: A Common Challenge

Many divorced parents eventually find a new partner and choose to remarry. In fact, a recent study by Constance Ahrons shows that about 50% of children in the US will have a parent remarry before they turn 18. The good news is that remarriage does not have to be a disaster, as long as the parents handle it with understanding and maturity.

Getting remarried may not just change your family dynamics; legal issues such as alimony and child custody can also be affected. If you are concerned about changes to your family after a new marriage, the Raleigh family law attorneys of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. can help. Call us at 919-833-1040.

Things to Consider Before a Second Marriage

When you have found a great partner following a divorce and some time alone, it can be easy to get caught up in your new happiness and future plans. However, it is important to remember that your new relationship does not just affect you; it will also have a profound effect on your children’s lives. If you are considering a second marriage, you may want to keep some of these tips in mind:

Take things slowly. Adjusting to a huge life change like divorce is difficult for children. This coping process can be interrupted if children are forced to deal with another change – like a new step-parent and possible step-siblings – before they have had time to process the divorce.

Do not pressure your children to feel a certain way about all of these changes. You may have daydreams about your children accepting your new spouse and everyone getting along beautifully, but you cannot force this to happen. Let your children know that whatever they are feeling is okay, and that you will continue to love and support them even if they get angry or sad.

Similarly, respect your children’s loyalties. They may accept their step-parent as a mother or father, or they may reserve that distinction for their other biological parent. Let your kids decide what to call your new partner, and do not try to force a certain kind of relationship on your kids or your partner.

Contact Us

If you are having difficulty with child support arrangements or other issues following a new marriage, the Raleigh family law attorneys of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. can help. Contact our offices today at 919-833-1040.