Remember those old Hollywood movies where the mum, dad, son and daughter would sit around the dinner table and share whimsical stories about their day? It may have been picture-perfect back in the 1930s, but nowadays that image isn’t nearly accurate enough to paint a picture of the different types of families that exist in today’s society.
The word “family” no longer describes a nuclear family with a mother, father, and child – and this nuclear family doesn’t even come close to capturing the different family structures that exist in this day and age. Instead, the umbrella of family now encompasses a diverse mix of structures and options – this means that family law is becoming more complex as well. Here’s a look at the few ways that families are changing around the world, and how these changes affect your considerations when it comes to family law.
Adoption
Whether you are biologically unable to have a child, choose not to give birth naturally, or want to give an existing child a home and family, adoption is a common option in many countries around the world. The estimate of adopted persons in the US sits somewhere between 6 and 10 million; with numbers like these, it’s no doubt that traditional family structures are changing. Whether they look domestically or internationally, many families will consider adoption as an alternative to having their own child. With adoption, there are plenty of legal aspects that need to be considered ? one of the most important being whether the adoption is open or closed.
Same-sex partnership/marriage
Same-sex marriage is legally recognised in a host of countries around the world, including Argentina, Spain, Sweden, and various states in the US. In other countries like Australia, same-sex marriage is a subject for political discussion; and in fact, New Zealand’s parliament has recently undergone voting to discuss whether or not to recognise same-sex marriage as a legal institution. The legalities of same-sex partnership and marriage can differ from traditional law, which means you may need to seek additional legal advice and guidance.
Separation and remarriage
With roughly a third of marriages ending in divorce in Australia, separation and remarriage are also factors that play into the changing landscape of families. Whether you have to deal with child support schemes, pre-nuptial agreements, or parenting arrangements, separation is undoubtedly complex and involves several different considerations. When looking for advice on how to handle the legalities, make sure you involve a lawyer from day one ? it will make the entire process far less stressful!
No matter how the landscape changes, it’s important to remember that family law changes with it as well. When in doubt, consult your lawyer ? in the long run, it will be beneficial for both you and your family.
This article was written by Annie Owens, a full-time mother who fills her day with cleaning, blogging, and cooking. She’s encountered a few too many legal bumps in her life, and advises to have a family lawyer’s business card on hand if the road ever gets tough. This was brought to you by Watts McCray
