Stepfamily Association

Practical questions to consider before forming a stepfamily

You need to consider a number of practical issues when you re-marry or enter into another relationship, and form a stepfamily.

For example:

• Legal - Are you clear about your legal position when you re-marry?  For example the responsibilities of a step-parent towards his or her stepchildren?  Or the effect of re-marriage on a previously made Will?
• Housing - How much space will you need?  What are the views of the children about sharing a room with a stepbrother or stepsister with whom they hardly know?  This may be a practical solution, but that does not make it easy or acceptable.  Would it be easier if you had a new start in a new home?  Is that possible and would that be the best use of your finances?
• Finances - What are your costs going to be?  How will re-marriage or re-partnering affect income from sources such as social security benefits or maintenance by a former partner?  How will you manage your finances so that no member of the new family will feel disadvantaged?  How will you meet your commitment to children of your previous marriage/relationship?