All parties engaged in a divorce, particularly kids, experience emotional turmoil during the process. If the kids are not genetically linked both to parents but are instead the result of a former relationship, the issue may become much more difficult. As a stepparent, there aren’t many legal protections for your rights. Nevertheless, since your relation with your former partner ceased, it doesn’t necessarily follow that your bond with their kids would as well. A Sandy divorce lawyer confirms so. After a divorce, keeping in touch with your stepchild has several advantages. Continue reading to learn about your rights and discover how a divorce lawyer can assist you.
Situations in which Step Parents Receive Parental Rights
A step parent’s parental rights may be taken into account in a few specific circumstances.
- Well first of all, despite the event of divorce, you will still be the child’s legally acknowledged parent if you inherited your stepchild during marriage. However, since a kid is only allowed to have two parents, this isn’t an option if both the birth parents want to keep their parental rights.
- Secondly, a non-legal arrangement may be created if you and your former partner decide that keeping in touch with the child is a wise idea. Co-parenting with an ex-spouse calls for cooperation, transparency, and compromise, but it’s not insurmountable if both sides are ready to work together to make it work.
However, bear in mind that you won’t be granted any rights to custody or significant decision-making in the absence of legal acceptance of your parenthood.
If, however, your ex forbids you from seeing your stepchild, then what? What if a fair co-parenting agreement cannot be reached? It can be worthwhile to fight for your case in court.
How to Keep Your Stepchild in Your Life After Divorce?
To stay in touch with your stepchild following your divorce, go by these recommendations:
- Maintain a cordial connection with your ex-spouse: Although you don’t necessarily need to be best friends, doing so will make you a better co-parent.
- Recognize that your stepchild is experiencing a significant life shift, just as you are. Respect their boundaries. If they indicate a want for space, try to adhere to their wishes.
- Be flexible and make yourself approachable if you can’t visit your stepchild as frequently as you’d want. Make it clear that you are consistently available to help, so they know they can come to you for assistance. The bond between you and your children will restart when they become adults and are able to make various decisions for themselves.
- Consult a family attorney: If you feel that your ex-spouse is treating you unfairly, a family attorney may be able to assist you. They will examine the case’s details and offer advice regarding if you have a lawsuit.
