Once you’ve put in all the time, money, and emotional energy it takes to finalize a divorce, you’re probably relieved to know the terms are set, and the separation is final. However, if you remarry, you might be forced to revisit your divorce attorney, as well as your child custody and support agreements. If you hear wedding bells in your future, use the following guide to find out how it might affect your settlement.

Custody

Since the court always acts in the interests of the child, they will assess the new parental figure, be it a stepmother or stepfather, just like they did the biological mother and father. For example, if the child expresses distaste or fear of the new parental figure, the judge might modify the custody arrangement so that the child spends less time in that household. They’ll also weigh the stepparent’s influence on the child, such as if they have a history of domestic abuse or addiction.

If the remarriage requires one of the biological parents to move, this will almost certainly affect custody. For example, it may reduce the relocating parent’s visitation time or shift custody to the parent who is remaining in the child’s hometown. That way, the child can continue attending the same school and activities.

Child Support

If the parent who is receiving child support gets remarried, their new spouse’s income can’t be added to the equation. However, the funds that the new spouse contributes to household costs could be factored in, reducing the biological parent’s need for child support.

If the parent who is paying child support gets remarried, they won’t be cleared of their duties to continue paying. In fact, if the new spouse is contributing to their household expenses, the judge could suggest that the biological parent has more child support to give. However, if the parent has a new child with their new spouse, they might be able to request lower child support payments for their children from the previous marriage, as they now have more mouths to feed.

If you’re confused about where you stand in this family law scenario, turn to McBrayer, McGinnis & Leslie, PLLC, to help you figure out the situation. These Ashland, KY, attorneys work in a wide range of practice areas, from criminal defense to custody disputes, and they’ve been building a reputation since 1963. In fact, their team of 50 attorneys serves clients throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. To learn more about their work, visit the website, or call (606) 473-7303 to arrange a consultation.