There is no getting around the fact that if your partner already has kids before you get together, it is going to make the relationship more complicated. Anybody in this scenario has to sit down and consider if they are willing to take on the duties and struggles that come with being a stepparent, for one. There are also the sometimes overlooked issues to think about, too, like the financial aspect of it. The likelihood is that anybody with children is going to have less money to spend on a relationship when they have to think of family first.

For many moms or dads who are separated from their child’s other parent, there is also the contentious issue of child support. For those who a partnered with somebody who already has kids, this could wind up being an issue, especially if they have a not great track record with their finances.