Step Parents in Divorce
Step-parents are often not top of mind in regards to their rights and obligations in regards to children...
When negotiating a divorce and separation settlement where children are involved, step-parents are often not top of mind in regards to their rights and obligations in regards to children. Blended families the norm these days so there are more than likely important relationships in a child’s life that need to be addressed for the child’s well-being.
Actually, anyone who has a relationship that is considered like a close a parent-child bond has the rights to continue their relationship. This person is usually a step-parent but could be a close relative such as an aunt, uncle or grandparent but there’s a good chance that step-parents are the closest to the child and need to have their voice heard in regards to the child. Chances are that the step-parent has been partly financially responsible for the child because of the living arrangements with the prior to the separation. Actually, under Ontario law a step-parent may have to pay child support along with the biological (first) parent. Bottom line is that the step-parent has become an unofficial parent and that is a very serious relationship that the Courts will look at if need be. What if the child is a part of their step-parent’s extended family and would miss them if they’re not allowed to take part in festivities and the like? The team at Grant Lee Law know the role of step-parents and will help draw up any agreement that is needed legally to benefit the child as well as the rights of the step-parent.
Because of the seriousness of the bond between the child and the step-parent, an agreement should be drawn up. Visitation and financial matters need to addressed all with the child’s best interest at the heart of the matter. Remember, that the step-parent didn’t have to be married to the child’s parent. A common law relationship that is considered a marriage in the eyes of the law is also considered. If the bond between the step-parent is broken, the effects on the child could be awful. Anyone who wants to keep their access to the child intact, should really consult a Family Law Lawyer. There is case law that will be on the side of the step-parent and their legal rights, especially if the child views the step-parents as another parent figure. The Courts will not grant visitation lightly and will take the care to make sure that the relationship between the step-parent and the child needs to take place in the child’s life. As a step-parent, remember that providing child support may be included in the Agreement that is drawn up in regards to parenting the child.
The team at Grant Lee Law will work with you using their vast knowledge of Family Law. They understand all sides of all situations that arise during a separation and divorce. They will work with you and the Courts to reach a solution that works for everyone, especially the children. Angela Grant-Lee will use her twenty years’ experience to help you understand Family Law, no matter the situation
Call today to book your consultation…905-315-6837
