Beyond the Brady Bunch: Legal Insights for Indiana’s Blended Families
Author: Emily J. Schmale
POST DATE: 11.18.25
Beyond the Brady Bunch: Legal Insights for Indiana’s Blended Families
Blended families are increasingly common. According to the Pew Research Center, about 42% of American adults have at least one step-relative, and roughly one-third of all marriages form blended families. While blended families can bring joy and new beginnings, they also introduce a unique set of legal and emotional challenges, especially for parents navigating divorce, child custody, or adoption.
Our family law attorneys at CCHA Law are here to help. They are experienced in working with couples who are remarried or co-parenting in blended households. Whether you’re entering a new marriage or facing another divorce, understanding your rights and options is important.
Understanding Custody and Parenting Time in Blended Families
If your new spouse has children from a previous relationship, their custody and parenting time are likely governed by an existing court order or divorce agreement. It’s important to review that document closely. Some agreements include restrictions on transportation, school pick-up, or overnight visits.
If your spouse or their former partner later petitions to modify a child support order, the court may also consider your household income when making its decision. A knowledgeable Indiana family law attorney can help you understand how remarriage might affect existing custody or support arrangements.
Step-Parent Adoption
If you’re considering adopting your stepchildren, we recommend consulting an experienced adoption attorney before starting the process. Step-parent adoptions often require careful navigation of consent requirements, termination of parental rights, and court approval. Professional guidance can make the process smoother and protect everyone involved, especially the children.
Step-Parent Rights After Divorce
If you and your spouse decide to divorce, you may still want to maintain a relationship with your stepchildren. Indiana law allows step-parents to petition for visitation, though courts must balance these requests with the biological parents’ rights. Typically, step-parent visitation occurs during the parenting time of your former spouse, as defined in the existing custody order.
A CCHA Law family law attorney can help you evaluate your options and advocate for continued connection when it’s in the best interests of the children.
Here are some helpful questions to ask when forming a blended family:
How do existing court orders affect our family routines?
Could remarriage impact my income or child support obligations? What legal steps are needed to pursue adoption? What issues should we be considering?
How can we protect all children’s relationships during major life transitions?
How might I need to update my estate planning documents to accurately reflect my intentions for my blended family?
We’re Here to Help
Our team is here and ready to help you navigate these questions if you’re forming a blended family, facing a second divorce, or need help with custody, child support, or adoption. CCHA’s family law and estate planning teams will guide you with care and experience. We serve families across Indiana, with offices conveniently located in Zionsville, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Tipton, Fort Wayne, Crown Point, and Boone County.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
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