(Untitled)

[sewawkward]

You and an ex had a child and separated while the child was still a toddler. Over the next few years you both settle down and marry someone else. Your ex has always been active in the child’s life and has shared custody with you. Your ex suddenly dies while the child is a teenager

Comments

[wyliekat]

Absolutely. In fact, I would take it to court if I had to - in order to maintain a presence in my stepdaughter's life.

Equally, I would want my ex's partner to be able to see my daughter. They have a very good relationship, and I would want that to continue.

[wyliekat]

If I was being barred from seeing my stepdaughter, I would ask them to intervene and allow me visitation or even shared custody.

http://duhaime.org/LegalResources/FamilyLaw/LawArticle-522/The-Step-Parents-Survival-Guide-to-the-Law-Post-Separation.aspx

[wyliekat]

Wow? Why wow?

[wyliekat]

I suspect Canada is further along the road on these kinds of things, anyway. When my mom and stepdad were divorcing (twenty years ago), the longest part of the court battle was whether or not he had to pay child support for me, as his stepchild.

In the beginning, he automatically had to, but thanks to a very good lawyer, he ended up not having to.

Good times.

[chrispina]

the court can't make bio parents spend time with their kids. i don't see how they could make a step parent do it.

[chrispina]

i misread. i was thinking she was the parent wanting to force the step parent to have a relationship with the kid.

[wyliekat]

No, they can't make anyone spend time with children, but they can make them financially responsible. If my ex's partner did not want to see my daughter, I wouldn't be standing on her doorstep or anything. I'd be sad for my daughter, and I'd allow her to contact her if she wanted.

However, if someone was trying to block me from my stepdaughter, I'd exhaust my resources to prevent it.

[chrispina]

i misread your comment.