Many times when a parent remarries the step parent bonds with the step children and loves and cares for them. However, sometimes even these marriages dont work out and the step parent not only loses his spouse but also the stepchildren. This can be a tough pill to swallow and many step parents want to maintain contact with their step children. But, do step parents have any visitation rights when a marriage breaks up? This is a common question and one that has an interesting answer. All states have their own laws regarding visitation rights of children when a marriage breaks up. In many states it does not matter if the parent is biological or a step parent. As long as the step parent played a significant role in the childs life during the marriage then the step parent has the right to request visitation, and in some cases custody, of the stepchildren when a marriage breaks up. Of course, if you are interested in knowing more about visitation rights for your stepchildren you will need to contact a divorce lawyer in your state who knows all the laws and legal rights you have. Remember as well that the length of the marriage will play a role in visitation rights. If you were married when the child was an infant and then seek divorce 15 years later and have been the provider and parent of the child for that entire period of time then it is almost always allowed for you to seek visitation rights during the divorce proceedings. Keep in mind as well that just because you request visitation rights does not mean you will receive them. All states have their own laws and different judges will respond to the request in different ways. If you are intent on having visitation rights to your stepchildren then you need to make it very clear that you acted as the childs parent during the time you were married to your spouse. Proving this wont be difficult and if you do it will increase your odds of receiving visitation rights. Some spouses may threaten you with not seeing the stepchildren after the divorce. However, the law will frequently work in your favor if you are an upstanding individual that truly cares for his stepchildren. A lawyer is the best individual to instruct you and help you achieve the visitation rights you want so badly.

Posted in Parenting

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