My father re-married, so is my stepmother now my legal parent?
2007-04-23 18:15:55 · 10 answers · asked by Bobby A 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
In the U.S...
If she adopted you, then she would be your legal parent. If she was granted (for whatever reason) legal guardianship, then she would be your legal guardian. Otherwise, she’s just your father's new wife/your stepmother (with no *legal* rights toward you).
With that said, she certainly does have the right to be treated respectfully and considerately, and she has the right to require you to follow the rules of her household when you are there.
2007-04-24 02:02:43 · answer #1 · answered by kp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It also depends upon how old you are when your parent remarries. My father divorced my mother and then remarried the woman he had an affair with. I was 22 at the time. I never considered her my step-mother since I never lived with her. I call her "Marjorie" and not Mom or step mom. She was never my mom.
Yet, if you state that you are still living at home and under your fathers disciplining, then she may have the right to be called your "parent", but with no real rights as to how you wish to live your life. If you so wish, you may want to have all of you go to your family lawyer, if you have one, and get it in writing as to what potential future legalities will confer if your father may happen to die and she is the soul parent. This must be stipulated in the papers and what the rights of your birth mother has as well. Adoption is the best way to affirm between the two of you if you wish to make the "parent" legal. Of course, this must be a consensus among all of you. Hope you are able to find a good life and respect for each of you.
2007-04-23 19:20:39 · answer #2 · answered by Serpico 13 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. Legally, she is considered a parent, but lacking the legal guardianship that would allow her to make life decisions for you.
She can become your legal guardian if she adopted you, but that could only happen if your birth mother is no longer living or is no longer has any legal connection to you.
2007-04-23 18:39:53 · answer #3 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't matter how old you are. A step parent is a legal stranger. The step parent only becomes your legal parent if there is an adoption.
2007-04-24 01:12:49 · answer #4 · answered by Carol S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She would just be considered your legal guardian, unless she actually adopts you, then no she is not your legal parent.
2007-04-23 18:19:04 · answer #5 · answered by kelly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not unless she has custody of you. She is however, a legal guardian.
2007-04-23 18:19:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. She's your father's wife. That's all.
2007-04-23 18:24:32 · answer #7 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not unless she formally adopts you.
2007-04-23 18:21:04 · answer #8 · answered by October 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no surely
2015-11-03 00:06:44 · answer #9 · answered by Hallem 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea i think so
2007-04-23 18:18:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋