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Speak Up! - View Question #152 |
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Question: What rights do stepparents have in the care of step-kids?
Answer: Stepparents have no specific rights over their stepchildren. The biological parent has decision-making authority over the children in all matters related to the child's health and upbringing. In other words, the stepparent can't consent to medical care, can't sign paperwork for school, etc.
A stepparent who has acted as parent for a child for a long time, and who is now being divorced from the biological parent, may have some visitation rights if a judge decides the relationship is in the child's best interests.
Even though the stepparent has no rights relative to the child, if the stepparent is a custodian of the child, that adult can make certain control / discipline decisions affecting the child in the absence of a biological parent. A stepmother, for example, who is taking care of the child during the father's absence on a business trip, can set curfew, mealtimes, and other rules that affect childhood discipline while the child is in the care of that adult.
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| Comments |
| 51 thru 55 of 91 comments |
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On 01/05/06
Mike from WA said:
I was married to a woman then we divorced and she got pg by another man. Then they split and she came back to me and I was there when this child came into the world and have been for the last 5 years and I was the only dad she knew. Now the mother and I have split again and she has taken the child from me and moved to another state. What rights do I have if any to see this child again? I also have a daughter from the same woman who is mine and I have custody of and lives with me. Is there anything a guy can do in a situation like this....
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On 12/05/05
Julie from NH said:
I am a step mother of 10year boy. His Birth Mother has been MIA for 7 years. I have been raising him since he was 10 months old. He has a 4 year brother now. What are my rights. His father and I are getting divorce. I am 95% his caregiver, emotionally and financially. His father is giving me custody of him.
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On 05/05/05
Kimberly from FL said:
I have been a step mom for a few years and the children are 17, 15, and 4. My 15 yr old step daughter lives with my husband and I full-time and the 4 yr old we have 50/50 a week on a week off. I fill out all the information for my step daughter with school, doctor etc. I know her the best; our relationship is great and my husband backs me completely. Her mom is fine but they are not very close. It is not easy and I commend all parents/step or other. We all need to put children first!!!! I also do all the school care transportation etc and love it!
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On 04/25/05
from NC said:
I have no rights, yet I feed this child? I have no rights, yet I teach this child? I have no rights, yet I love this child when thier biological mother does not? I have no rights, yet I spend my time and effort in nurturing one of Gods greatest gifts? "Rights" should be taken away when a biological parent is not responsible enough to know how to use their "rights". The children are the ONLY ones who are truly neglected and abused in these situations. Its a shame. All because of prideful "rights". Good grief.
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On 03/08/05
karen from DE said:
If a stepparent signs for a medical procedure without prior knowledge of allergies, preexisting conditions, etc. it puts the child in peril. In addition, the stepparent may undermine a natural parents authority by signing school paperwork or permission they may have objections to. Stop taking it so personally and realize that you knew what you were getting yourself into when you married this person.
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