Family Life

Find information on the legal aspects of child support.

By Halimeh Salem

Being a stepparent can make holidays hard. Learn how to make new family traditions, schedules and gifts work in your blended family.

Learn to celebrate the things that have worked in your stepfamily, and continue working on the things that aren't perfect.

Learn the value of having an extended family -- for you, and for your stepchildren.

Read the top ten complaints of stepfathers and biomothers.

Read the top ten complaints of stepmothers and biofathers.

Learn the positive and negative aspects of adopting stepchildren.

Learn the positive and negative aspects of adopting your stepchild.

Learn about policies that allow stepparents to gain authority to care for their stepchildren.

Read about situations dealing with custody and visitation rights.

Read how to go about getting help to save your stepfamily from disaster.

Find tips on dealing effectively with stepfamily problems that may threaten your marriage and your relationship with the children.

These tips can help you deal with a stepchild who has physical or emotional problems.

Learn what rights you have as a gay or lesbian stepparent.

Find tips on coming together as a family -- despite different sexual orientation.

Learn how to compromise with your ex when planning special events for your children.

It's especially important that a cross-cultural stepfamily learn to communicate effectively and to respect one another.

Learn what rights grandparents and step-grandparents have with their grandchildren.