Is my dad still related to my cousins who are on my mums side of the family even though he's divorced from mum

Question

My dad is divorced from my mum but my auntie who is my mums sister still thinks that my dad is her kids uncle. I dont think he is but i cant find out so that is why i am asking

Answer 1

He will ALWAYS be the father of his children, regardless of whether they are together or not. Whether or not she sees him as a relative is up to her, really. There's no rule saying that she can't.

Answer 2

Well, technically no, as they were only related by the marriage (your mum's sibling, your cousins' parent, was your dad's sibling "in law"). That's not to say, however, that he is not still their uncle. My dad and mum are divorced and my dad is still my cousins' uncle, as is my uncle who separated from my mum's sister ten years ago. I think it is more a matter of personal feelings about individuals rather than simply previous relationships ceasing to exist due to a breakdown in a marriage.

Answer 3

Maybe not "technically", but you can't just stop caring about someone else in the family just because of a divorce. He still has the uncle feelings and the kids still love their uncle. He didn't divorce them anymore than he divorced you. He only divorced your mom.

Answer 4

Not by blood....no.....and after divorce, the in-laws become the out-laws.......or, in this case, no legal connection at all.

Your cousins may be a different matter if they have grown fond of your Dad........there is no legislation for that and maybe in a way, your auntie is right. Your dad is still your cousins' uncle in their eyes.

If this a problem to you, post another question....or add details to this one. x

Answer 5

Your father never was related to your cousins. Your mother is their aunt and your father was their uncle by marriage - no blood tie, therefore, not related. Society however generally ignores this and goes with what people feel and what people want. If your aunt still wants your father to be part of her and your cousins' lives, then good for them. If your father agrees then there is no harm done -- I have to ask though, what does your mother think of her sister being friendly with her ex?

Answer 6

Technically he is out of the family when he is divorced from your mum.

But in real life, people don't give up emotions and feelings, so to your aunt your dad will always be her kids' uncle.

My ex-in laws still think of me as a daughter and sign Christmas cards etc. as mum and dad. It is sweet!

Answer 7

No, he isn't now, he was by marriage. If he had been someone your aunt did not care for, she wouldn't still call him "uncle". However how would he handle being an uncle to his ex-sister in law's kids when he is in a new relationship?

Answer 8

If you must be technical about it, then no he is not their uncle. However, what can it hurt for her kids to call him their uncle. Yes, they were related through the marriage, but family is family no matter if the marriage works or not. It can't hurt them so it shouldn't matter one way or the other.

Answer 9

No, he was only related by marriage. If he is divorced from your mum then he is no relation anymore. She is just trying to be nice that's all. Her children are used to him being their uncle. she just doesn't want to hurt anyone.

Answer 10

Technically no, he's no longer their uncle legally. If your cousins still consider him their uncle, that's okay though. My parents divorced when I was 16 so I my cousins had known him their entire lives. They all still considered him their uncle.

Answer 11

All the divorces in my family split the entire family - we couldn't still communicate with the other side or it meant we were taking sides. It would be nice if things were friendly.