It can also reduce friction between households because there is more money available for the support of children and former spouses. However, when households have fewer financial resources, the potential for tension and conflict increases. A third issue that often complicates financial functioning in stepfamilies is having to work with the legal system. The court assumes some of the financial decision making authority for parents by determining the amount of child support and the length of time it will be paid. By contrast, partners in first-married families are able to consider their needs and make financial decisions without having to account for policies established for them by a court.
Child support can be a challenging issue for many stepfamilies.
Child support amounts set at the time of the divorce may be insufficient for children's needs several years down the road. Also, these payments may become too burdensome for the non-custodial parent who has lost a job, become ill, or had some type of family emergency. Although the amount of child support can be changed, legal action is required and this may be a time-consuming and costly process. One way to help prevent ongoing problems with child support and other financial issues involving children is to create a parenting plan. Ongoing conflicts with former spouses Because providing for children's needs preserves a link between former spouses, there is the potential that problems present before the divorce will continue.