Preparing to Become a Stepparent in Illinois

 Posted on June 30, 2021 in Adoption

In the years after a divorce, finding a new partner and planning to remarry can be a major bright spot in your life. If your partner has children, you can also look forward to becoming a stepparent, an experience that can be both challenging and rewarding. You may be intimidated by the prospect of bonding with your partner’s kids, but there are things you can do to help these new relationships develop in a positive direction.

Getting to Know Your Future Stepchildren

If you know that your relationship is serious and could lead to marriage, it is a good idea to start getting to know your partner’s kids. It is normal for children to be skeptical or even resentful of a parent’s new love interest, but spending short periods of time with them can help them grow more comfortable with you and the role you will play in their lives. Make an effort to take genuine interest in the things that are important to your future stepchildren, and find common interests that you can bond over.

After becoming a stepparent, you should keep in mind that your stepchildren may be resistant to viewing you as a parental figure, especially if they have a strong relationship with their other parent. Try to give your stepchildren their space and respect their boundaries, and start with a foundation of mutual respect. Over time, this respect can grow into a stronger relationship.

Considering Your Own Children

If you have children of your own, you should also consider how to help them connect with and adjust to their new stepparent and stepsiblings. You and your partner can both include your children in gatherings and social outings before your marriage to help them get to know each other. You should also think carefully about living arrangements when you are all under the same roof. This includes making sure all of the children have their own space where they feel comfortable, keeping rules and expectations consistent for everyone in the house.

Planning for a Stepparent Adoption

In some cases, it may be a good decision to adopt your stepchild after you have had the opportunity to get to know each other. Stepparent adoptions are common when the child’s other parent is deceased or no longer part of their life. They can provide many benefits for the child, including financial and emotional support and a more stable home environment. Illinois law makes it relatively simple for a stepparent to adopt their stepchild, but if the child’s other parent is still living, they will likely need to provide their consent for the adoption to occur.

Contact a DuPage County Family Law Attorney

If you have questions about adopting your stepchild, or if you want to better understand how becoming a stepparent can affect your parenting agreement regarding your own children, the attorneys at Davi Law Group can help. For a free consultation, contact our Wheaton, IL family lawyers by calling 630-657-5052 today.

Sources:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/stepparent.html

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/step-parenting-blended-families.htm

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2098&ChapterID=59