Wilmington's Trusted

Divorce Attorneys

Blended families are increasingly common, but combining households after divorce or separation brings unique legal considerations. When you are remarrying, taking proactive legal steps can help protect your children, your finances, and your peace of mind. Understanding how remarriage affects existing legal obligations is essential to avoiding unintended consequences. How Remarriage Can Affect Custody Remarriage alone does not automatically change custody arrangements. However, changes in household dynamics may raise issues such as: Adjustments to parenting schedules Introduction of stepparents or stepsiblings Changes in the child’s daily routine Concerns about stability or safety Courts focus on the best interests of the child, not the preferences of the parents. If a new relationship significantly affects the child, modification of custody may be requested but only if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Child Support and New Relationships A new spouse’s income generally does not count toward child support calculations. However, remarriage can still have indirect effects, such as: Reduced household expenses for the paying parent Changes in a parent’s ability to meet financial obligations Issues arising when a parent stops working or changes employment It is important not to assume that remarriage eliminates or reduces child support obligations without a court order. Alimony Considerations Remarriage has a direct impact on alimony. Alimony terminates automatically upon remarriage of the receiving spouse; however, it’s important to note that remarriage is not required to terminate alimony. In North Carolina, cohabitation can also justify termination.  Prenuptial Agreements Prenuptial agreements can provide clarity and prevent future disputes by addressing: Ownership of premarital assets Division of property upon divorce Treatment of inheritances and gifts Financial responsibilities during the relationship For blended families, these agreements can help preserve assets for children while still providing for a new partner. Blended families can thrive with thoughtful planning and informed legal guidance. Taking proactive steps before remarrying can reduce conflict, protect children’s interests, and provide stability for everyone involved. If you are considering remarriage or cohabitation and have existing custody, support, or property obligations, consulting with a family law attorney can help you understand how your choices may affect your rights and responsibilities. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

When parents share custody, the schedule matters just as much as the legal description. Even well-intentioned parents can struggle when a custody arrangement looks fair on paper but proves unworkable in real life. The most successful shared custody schedules are those that prioritize the child’s stability, accommodate the parents’ realities, and minimize conflict. Below are some of the most effective shared custody schedules and the factors parents should consider when deciding what truly works. Before discussing specific schedules, it’s important to understand the guiding principle: the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child, courts consider factors such as: The child’s age and developmental needs Each parent’s work schedule and availability The distance between parents’ homes (and the distance between those homes and the child’s school) The child’s school and extracurricular activities Each parent’s ability to communicate and co-parent The historical caregiving roles of each parent A schedule that works well for one family may be inappropriate for another.