Blended families
Families come in different shapes and sizes.
Two parent families, sole parent families, blended and step families, extended families, foster families and same-sex couple families are all frequently encountered.
About a third of all marriages in New Zealand are between couples where at least one partner has been married before. As a consequence, many children are raised in blended families with a step-parent. Successful step-parenting is not easy and takes a lot of hardwork. This information is specifically written for step-parents and covers a number of the legal and financial issues encountered.
What's best for the child?
Children can find blended families confusing and unsettling. Sometimes their needs can be over-ridden by adult wants and they cannot, or do not, have the chance to speak up for themselves. If you are making a decision that will affect a child, consider first and foremost what will be best for the child. By law, in all cases, the Family Court must consider the child's needs before those of the adults involved when making a decision.
Further links:
- Blended families - Legal issues
- Blended families - financial assistance
- Blended families - support
- Step-parenting and building relationships
