Divorce Step Parent

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In 2009, it was concluded that about 0.5 million couples (aged more than 65) remarry every year. On an average, each senior person has 2 children. Thus, the result is that approximately 2 million adults become step children every year. Dr. Grace Gabe has stated that a large number of adult children are reluctant to become step-children.

Responsibilities in Divorce Step Parent

• After 5^th December 2005, step parents could attain 'parental responsibility' by means of a court order or by a formal agreement
• A parental responsibility order can be enforced till the 18^th birthday of the child
• Another type of order that offers parental responsibility to a step parent is termed as the 'residence order.' This order comprises of the following information
  • Determines where the child would reside
  • The individual, who is offered this order has the parental responsibility till the child completes 16 years of age
• If the step parents try to make a formal agreement for obtaining parental responsibility, then this agreement must be signed by every person, who has parental responsibility. Frequently, the signatures of the natural parents are essential. Since the birth of the child, if any other individuals have obtained parental responsibility, then the signature of these individuals is required
• After a step parent is allotted parental responsibility, this step parent has the same responsibilities and duties like those of any other person, who has this responsibility (inclusive of natural parents). Some of these responsibilities are as follows
  • Providing education, residence and clothing to the child
  • Ensuring that the child is not harmed in any condition
  • Endorsing a change in name of the child in certain conditions
  • If the child is under 18, then giving consent for marriage of the child

When a child has a step parent in his/her life several questions prop up in his/her life. The first hurdle is what the child should call his /her step-mom or step-dad. In some families, the first name of each person is preferred. Further, the child feels that the step-parent is not his real 'daddy' or 'mummy'. So, whether it is essential for him/her (i.e. the child) to listen to the step-parent.

Several children think along the following lines - 'The step-parent is an adult, who is taking their care. So, the ideal behavior would be to show the same degree of respect to the step-parent as they show to their natural parents, teacher or coach.'

Some children try to adjust along with their step-parents. However, things just don't work out. The child is bothered with his/her (i.e. the step-parents) life. Some of the hurdles might be as follows.

• When the child desires to watch a television show, the step-parent is viewing another channel?
• The step-mom is extracting some of the attention of the child's father
• The step-mom might be taking showers in the bathroom for a really long time

It is universally accepted that children find sharing their parent and their residence with a step-parent a very tough idea. If the step-parent has his/her own children, this toughness is increased multifold.

It is suggested that family meetings should be arranged. All the family members must discuss their problems and try amicably to arrive at a consensus.

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