If you are debating marrying someone who has children from another relationship, there are a number of important points to think about. 

Some of these factors include your relationship with the children, how the marriage would impact child support, whether you plan on adopting the children, and whether any changes to estate plans are required. 

This article explores some of these nuances in greater detail. 

Your Relationship with the Other Person’s Children

In a perfect world, future spouses would have a strong relationship with the children and would be able to easily transition into a parent role after the marriage. 

Unfortunately, however, this is not always possible. Despite this, it is important to establish expectations before marriage to make sure that you, your future spouse, and children are all prepared for the numerous changes that marriage can create. 

Impact on Child Support

In most cases, entering into marriage will not impact your future spouse’s receipt of child support. In accordance with Georgia law, the amount of child support that is paid is based on each parent’s income as well as expenses. A future spouse’s income is not included in this equation. 

To avoid providing financial details to a former spouse, many couples choose to keep their assets as well as tax filings separate even after marriage. 

Some parents after learning about the new spouse’s financial situation might even decide to petition the court to modify child support because the child’s needs are being met without receipt of child support. 

Adoption

It is common for new spouse to develop a close bond with children. In some cases, this even results in the new spouse adopting the child. 

Before an adoption is granted in Georgia, however, consent must be obtained from the child’s other biological parent if the individual is still living. 

If the parent refuses to grant an adoption, it might be possible to force a termination. This is often difficult, however, and requires the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. 

Alimony

Individuals who have children with a former spouse often receive a greater amount of alimony than if the couple had not had children. If you plan to marry someone who is currently receiving alimony from a former spouse, it is vital to understand what impact a marriage might have on the receipt of alimony payments. 

In most cases, entering into a new marriage can terminate the receipt of alimony. Alimony payments can also be terminated if you and your future spouse cohabitate together. An experienced attorney can better explain the situations under which alimony payments might terminate.

Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney

There are a number of complex factors to take into consideration if you are going to marry someone with children. Through proper planning, however, it is possible to reduce or eliminate a number of potential complications. 

If you need the assistance of an experienced family law attorney during this process, do not hesitate to contact Vayman & Teitelbaum P.C. to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer.