Divorce Complications with Blended Families

Blended families are more common than ever. According to an estimate, there are more than 1,300 new blended families in the U.S. each day as people with children from previous marriage or relationship come together. A family with children from different relationships come together as a single unit after the parents marry. If a blended family is facing a divorce, things could get more complicated for them.

Here are some of the most common divorce complications blended families face.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights

One of the biggest complications that prove a hindrance in divorce proceedings with blended families is visitation rights and custody of the children. It’s essential to determine who will be designated as the residential or primary parent of the children. Generally, the parent with whom children spend the most time will be the custodial parent. Depending on the age, living conditions and income of both parents, the court is most likely to decide accordingly to award custody of the children. You will need a competent divorce lawyer to help you secure custody of children, among other complex matters in a blended family divorce.

Child Support Issues

According to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the non-custodial parent is held liable for child support. When it comes to child support in blended family divorces, things could get more complex. The attorneys and the court will need to consider if a parent is already paying child support from their previous partnership or marriage. Child support in such a divorce is usually modified to satisfy both parties.

Prenuptial Agreements and Trusts

Before getting into a marriage that would lead to a blended family, its essential to consider a prenuptial agreement. When partners with kids and property from the previous relationship decide to get married, they must have a prenuptial agreement that would be helpful if the marriage falls apart. Divorce proceedings with blended families usually get more complicated when a trust or prenuptial agreement is not established.

Dividing the Assets and the Business

Another possible challenge for a blended family divorce is equal distribution of assets and properties, if any. Partners in a blended family will need to make some tough decisions if the couple has a business or any properties together – or from their previous marriages. You will need a skilled divorce attorney in Chicago with years of experience in handling tough and challenging divorce cases.

If you wish to learn more about blended family divorce and other family law issues, or want to schedule a free consultation, contact Law Office of Fedor Kozlov at 847-380-5193 to speak with an experienced divorce and family law attorney.

(Updated 8/27/2024)