If a previous marriage was unsuccessful, the lessons learned can be helpful. Don't repeat problems. Another important step is helping the children deal with their loss. Their age and the degree of healing will affect undertaking a new relationship. Consider drawing up prenuptual agreements.
Parents can anticipate problems or decisions and work out agreements early.
The pair can explore the nature of the new family they will build. Discovery begins with learning from other couples who share their ideas for successful stepparenting. Researchers, who are just beginning to give attention to stepparenting and blended families, are finding that the emotions and situations follow predictable patterns. A couple should devise a plan to deal with possible situations. A couple with a plan has a far better chance of preventing problems and solving problems as they arise.