If you’re a Virginia woman and your spouse wants to become your children’s legal parent through stepparent adoption, you should consider all the joys and challenges of handling a blended family.
When stepparent adoption is complete, you are a legal family in the eyes of the state, but on the home front, building a healthy family takes more than simply filing paperwork.
Most blended families go through challenging periods, particularly early on when the children are adjusting to the new situation. In these cases, it’s important to create strategies that foster closeness, trust and respect between everyone involved.
Don’t rush things. While you and your partner may be perfect together and want to solidify your family status by pursuing stepparent adoption in Virginia, the children may need a longer time for adjustment. While petitioning for stepparent adoption, work on helping your children and your new husband get along and acclimate to the family routine.
While stepparent adoption won’t really change any practical matters at home, older children who have some grasp of the permanent commitment stepparent adoption entails may feel that your spouse is trying to replace their father.
Talk to your children about stepparent adoption by giving them a basic age-appropriate overview and by clearly letting them know that you’re there if they want to talk.
Building a new family is hard work that takes time, patience and plenty of love. Stepparent adoption can be one important step in this journey.
Contacting a Newport News Family Law Attorney
Our Newport News family law attorneys care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience to help you focus on your goals for the future and your family. To learn more about Virginia divorce, request a FREE copy of our divorce book for women in Virginia, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.