I was just wondering about it. I know I probably can't get into medical records and things like that. But what are my rights. I tried googling itand nothing came up. And talking to my lawyer is like talking to a wall.
2007-04-16 08:53:36 · 12 answers · asked by stepmom of 1 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Are you still married to the biological parent?
If so you have quite a few rights. If you are not then you don't have any rights.
As far as medical records, with HIPPA regulations, the primary custodial parent must fill out a form dictating who has access to medical records. The father doesn't even have access if the mother (primary custody) doesn't put him on the form.
It would help if we understood what rights you are refering too?
2007-04-16 10:46:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My friend had a step-father, but he divorced her mother and now he has part custody so i guess so, but i know that it is very uncommon. From what i know it is because they are so close, but it was a very rare case and it is the only time that I've ever heard it happen before. If you talk to your lawyer you might be able to find out. Also, maybe your step-child's father might be let you (if you are on good terms), but if not then i think that talking to your lawyer would be the best. If you don't have a lawyer i heard that divorcenet.com is the best to get some needed information
2007-04-16 09:10:06 · answer #2 · answered by czizzle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a really terrible situation and I am really sorry...I can only imagine. He is only thinking of himself. If he knows that she wants to see you and her little brother and really isn't allowing much of that to happen, he's really being a selfish jerk. I think that you should talk to an attorney. Yes, they are expensive and I don't know your financial situation, but I would bet that you would at the very least get the visitation rights that you want. There are lawyers that have free consultations that tell you at least what you're up against. You could go online and ask this question on some type of law site no doubt. I'm sure that things vary in different states and situations, but I would give it a try. I have several friends that are lawyers here in Texas and if you want, I could check with them and see what their opinions are. Just let me know and good luck to you.
2016-05-17 03:48:15 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
During the time that a step-parent is married to the biological parent of a child, they have full parental rights in regards to access to medical and school records. They are legally recognized as the parent of that child when it comes to authorizing medical care, signatures for permission statements, etc. Long story short, the stepparent can make decisions for that child in all regards unless specifically spelled out in the divorce/child support decree issued by the courts
2007-04-16 09:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your husband signs a document, that will give you some rights. Now, certain places will not accept that as permission to consent to different things, but I know that in my office (Dentist) that if you came in with your stepchild, and had a signed "permission slip" from dad, we would let you consent to treatment on your stepchild.
I know everyone has different opinions on this, but I think you have as many rights as your husband gives you. Some may say that only the biological parents have rights, but sometimes it is necessary for a stepparent to step in and make choices about the stepchild. My ex husband lives about 8 hours away and only sees my son every 3-5 months, so on his school records he is listed as the biological father, but my husband is listed as the person to contact in case of emergency if I can't be reached. My husband has the right to pick my son up at school, take him out of school if necessary, and also to consent to medical treatment.
Stepparents need to be given a certain amount of rights by the parents, in case of an emergency where the bio-parents can't be reached.
This is not a matter for people to get their feelings hurt or to play the "I'm the parent not you" game. It is suppose to be what is best for the kids, and a certain amount of rights given to the stepparent is in their best interest.
2007-04-16 12:36:40 · answer #5 · answered by LittleMermaid 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're only going to have the rights that the biological parents explicitly grant to you in writing. For example: if they sign a form giving you rights to the children's medical records then you can get them
2007-04-16 08:57:54 · answer #6 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't know of any state in the U.S that will allow a step parent and legal rights to the step child. I know from personal experience that I have no legal rights to my stepson or any documentation regarding him.
2007-04-16 09:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by akgin 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you only have rights if you legaly adopt the child (but that you make you the parent)
other then that, you have none, however if say the real biological parents didnt want them or where unable to care, you would be nexted choice
2007-04-16 09:18:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check out divorceNet.com
2007-04-16 08:59:06 · answer #9 · answered by alikilee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Unless you adopt the stepchild then you have rights to your stepchildren.
2007-04-16 10:46:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋