The simple answer is no. Perhaps a better question is "Do stepfathers have a legal responsibility to stepchildren?" Those 2 issues are inter-connected. One cannot have 'rights' without responsibilities. Perhaps a stepfather who is separating from the Bio mother and wants contact might argue years of meeting his 'responsibilities' Perhaps the Family Court will take this into account in unusual cases. More than likely where the bio dad is no longer present. In general though, Stepfathers DO NOT have LEGAL responsibilities to the stepkids - so in turn NO LEGAL RIGHTS either. If you want to discuss these issues further feel free to visit my stepfamily forum http://stepfamily.madmooseforum.com
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoWiki User
∙ 15y agoWell, according to the Family Act in Canada.....Stepmother has the right to pay child support. It is a ridiculous law!!!!! Even though the stepmother had no authority over the stepchildren but she has THE RIGHT TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT. THIS LAW MUST BE REVIEWED.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoNo. A stepparent has no legal rights unless the child is legally adopted by the stepparent.
No. A stepparent has no legal rights unless the child is legally adopted by the stepparent.
No. A stepparent has no legal rights unless the child is legally adopted by the stepparent.
No. A stepparent has no legal rights unless the child is legally adopted by the stepparent.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoState laws vary widely in the United States but in almost every state the biological parent has sole rights to custody of the child. If a custodial parent dies the surviving natural parent will normally be granted custody of the child. In most states they are under no legal obligation to make any custody arrangements or visitation arrangements with the step-parent. Step-parents are never automatically favored over biological parents. A step-parent is never the "default" parent when the custodial parent dies and there is a living biological parent. Step-parents have no legal claim to step-children. The only time the step-parent will be favored for legal custody is if the step-parent legally adopted the child and the biological parent thereby relinquished their parental rights.
Biological parents with sole or joint custody have the legal right to make decisions for their child. Those rights do not extend to the step-parent except on a short term basis when the custodial parent is away or the child is in the sole company of the step-parent. A custodial parent cannot affect legal custody or state law by any provisions in their will.
In many states the step-parent has the right to petition for custody but that doesn't mean it will be granted. Most states still follow the 'unfit parent' and 'best interest of the child' rules. The living parent must be deemed unfit or granting custody to the step-parent must be shown to be in the best interest of the child. In this the step-parent is on the same legal ground as a grandparent or any other relative. Best interest of the child (regarding a step-parent) requires some special circumstances such as not separating the child from their half-siblings, or a child who has developed a special bond with a step-parent in the long absence of the biological parent.
One way to insure a step-parent will have continued involvement in the child's life after the death of the biological custodial parent is to create a trust with the step-parent as trustee. A parent can express their desires for guardianship or custody in their will, however, their will is not binding on the court as to where the minor child will live or with whom.
The bottom line is that any person involved in this type of situation must consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in their particular jurisdiction. Advice from someone about a case in one state may not apply in another state. In fact, it usually doesn't.
You can read about the status of a step-parent in every state at the link provided below. Many states give no consideration to step-parents. In contrast, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Illinois and Louisiana give special consideration to a step-parent.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes, they do. However, if a conflict develops over whose rights have primacy, step-relative or blood-relative, the court may have to make make a decision.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNot specifically without clarification of the courts. Please see link below
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoA step-parent does not have any legal rights over the step-children.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoNo. A stepparent has no legal rights unless the child is legally adopted by the stepparent.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoNone. :( I know this one well.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoNo they do not.
His father
Chris Gallagher.
His name is Brian Teefy
You can, but that would be wrong in so many ways.
actually, Justin bieber doesnt hav a stepdad
Well I think he's had by far only 1.
His stepdad's surname is Twist. His full name is Robin Twist (@robintwist on twitter)
== == The twins never took their stepdads last name, it's just Kaulitz. His full name is Tom Kaulitz.if u count in his stepdad's name it would be Tom Kaulitz - Trumper :)
because ur not theirs, they feel as though ur either a way to vent off steam or an extra-work hand, either tough through it or talk to someone about it
Yes clever clogs. But if you was wondering he lives with his mum and step dad :) yup, his mums name is anne, and his stepdads name is robin, he kept his dads name though, his real dad has never been revealed!
Usually the way parents treat them by not trusting them it buggs us teens alot. Some hate new parents liek stepmoms and stepdads. The way parents are noisy with there stuff, usually it parents or kids at school that start rumors about them.
natural rights are rights you get when you are born. that is why they are called NATURAL rights.