Although studies consider nuclear and stepfamilies to be equal in terms of annual income, they specify less financial stability for stepfamilies. The financial challenges of PAYING CHILD SUPPORT & SUPPORTING A HOME CAN BE VERY STRESSFUL. CONTRARY TO POPULAR MYTH, especially amongst the African American community, THE REMARRIAGE OF A FATHER DOES NOT MEAN THAT HE IS MORE LIKELY TO STOP OR LOWER CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS. One study in particular found that compliance with child support actually increased after remarriage.
Another daunting financial scenario that blended/stepfamilies may experience, is the struggle over financial contributions such as having child support funds going outside the home and no support funds coming into the home via the (Deadbeat, Buster, MIA, No good**) absent parent.
Did you know that the biggest REASON FOR FIRST MARRIAGE DIVORCES IS MONEY, which comes in second as the leading cause of why step couples divorce. Unfortunately, due to the complexities that pre-existing relationships bring new relationships, children lead the reason for stepfamilies to divorce.
If you and/or your partner/spouse have concerns on how to figure out where the boundaries of financial responsibility should be drawn, addressing this topic is most important for the well-being of your family. If no conversation takes place regarding where, how, and when the finances will be distributed, there is no plan.
Keep in mind, while figuring out the financial boundaries among you and your spouse/partner, the ex's, children, and stepchildren should not be effected in this process. In other words, JUST WORK IT OUT AND DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WORK IT OUT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE MINUS YOUR PRE-EXISTING FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS.
God burdens no one, we burden ourselves with the negative thoughts and limitations that we put on ourselves..
If you're not being psychologically and/or physically abused, YOUR RELATIONSHIP IS DEFINITELY WORTH THE WORK! You cannot give up on faith!
Just remember to KEEP THE COMMUNICATION TIGHT, RIGHT, & THINGS WILL TURN OUT BETTER THAN ALL RIGHT!
A well informed family makes a HAPPIER and STRONGER family!
~The Stepfamily GURU~
For questions or advice, please email: ask@stepfamilyguru.com
