Blended families, often called stepfamilies, combine two sets of family histories, traditions, and relationships under one roof. While these families often offer a chance for a new start, they may also face unique challenges that complicate daily life. California law does not differentiate in its approach to domestic violence in stepfamilies as compared to other households. If you’re accused of domestic violence within a blended family–or child abuse toward a stepchild–you could face arrest, criminal charges, a protective order that hinders you from returning to your home or having contact with your family, and other complications.
What Makes Blended Families Unique?
Unlike nuclear families, where children are biologically related to both parents, blended families feature a mix of biological and non-biological relationships. For example, a child might be living with a biological parent and a stepparent or be adapting to sharing a home with stepsiblings. This combination of relationships can be complex, as everyone must adjust, communicate, and develop trust within the new structure.