Step-Parent Rights: Does My New Spouse Have Any Authority With My Kids? Artwork

Love Court Off the Record

In the podcast, Love Court Off The Record, we look at specific legal questions regarding all family law matters. From child custody to child support to divorce. We also take a humorous look at divorce. It does make people go crazy!!

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Love Court Off the Record

Step-Parent Rights: Does My New Spouse Have Any Authority With My Kids?

April 27, 2026 • Anderson Keuscher Brachmann

0:00 | 2:40

“I remarried three years ago, and my husband has been helping raise my kids every day — he goes to school events, drives them to practice, and helps with discipline. Their biological father says my husband has no right to be involved in parenting decisions and that it should only be between us as the biological parents. Legally, does my husband have any authority over my kids without adopting them?"

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In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson answers a listener’s question about the role of a step-parent in a blended family. After remarrying, the listener’s husband has become deeply involved in the children’s daily lives—helping with school, activities, and discipline—but the children’s biological father insists the step-dad has no legal say in parenting decisions.

Jessica explains how the law generally views step-parents and parental authority, including what responsibilities they can take on in day-to-day parenting and where legal decision-making power typically remains with the biological or legal parents. She also discusses situations where a step-parent may gain more formal authority—such as through guardianship or adoption—and how families can navigate these boundaries while maintaining stability for the children.