Parenting Rights for Step Parents in Canada

You don’t know what turns are waiting for you and your family. And these days, having a step-parent or child in the family is not unusual. According to research, around 62.8% of children in Canada have a step-parent in their home. That is why there are proper parental rights for step-parents in Canada and their children. As a result, a healthy bond exists among the family members.

Step Parent Definition

‘Step Parents’ are not a very welcoming concept in many cultures. However, in Canada, they are like a bonus family member. At least, the nation tries to keep it that way by laying down rules and rights.

The general definition of a stepparent is a parent who is not related to the child biologically or adoptively. Instead, he or she became a parent by marrying either of the biological parents of the child. How a stepparent gets into a family defines types of stepparents or families. They are as follows:

Neotraditional Stepfamilies

They are the most common types of stepfamilies out there. In these families, the biological parents and stepparents divide parenting duties. They realize that it takes time to create an understanding between a stepparent and a child. Thus, the birth parents create an environment where both can know each other and get to good terms slowly.

Matriarchal Stepfamilies

These are the families where the stepparent is a father, and the mother is a financially independent, biological parent. In such a setup, no one expects the stepfather to share the parental duties. He is undoubtedly a mentor to the children and has friendly terms with them.

However, he is not bound to share the parental burden, but he can if he wants to. These families are generally harmonious, although the birth of a new child in the new family might change things.

Romantic Stepfamilies

These are the instant stepfamilies. The partners fall in love, get married, and take up on all the responsibilities immediately. Sometimes these sudden changes raise troubles among people; however, they are mendable. If the stepparent has his or her way of blending into the structure, he or she will cope smoothly.

These days adopting a stepchild in Canada is a prominent culture. It is because a stepparent turns into a legal guardian by adopting a stepchild in Canada. You must know that there are categories of step-parent adoption. Before a stepparent considers adoption, it is best to contact a lawyer who is best in this field.

Categories of Legal Guardianship for a Step Parents

Step Parent Adoption

When a stepparent adopts a stepchild, the bond becomes permanent legally. The stepparent shares all the rights of a biological parent. This measure often helps a family to get along better because stepparents treat the stepchildren as their own after adopting. Sometimes, birth parents do not agree to step-parent adoption.

Such a dispute can cause a legal battle. Sadly, such legal fighting can affect the child gravely. You should keep in mind that if any biological parents are absent, a stepparent who has legally adopted the child will have more rights to the child. Again, things may take an unpleasant turn if the stepparent plans to misuse his or her rights.

Unfortunately, sometimes a stepparent adoption may lead to a Cinderella situation. Therefore, a biological parent should give consent to such a big step after considering it carefully.

Guardianship

A guardianship does not affect the relationship with an absent parent. It gives the stepparent legal guardianship. However, Legal guardianship is not a  lifetime thing. When a child reaches legal age, the court decides whether or not guardianship is necessary, considering the child’s betterment.

If someone is willing to approach guardianship, s/he needs to state how and why s/he wants to stay involved clearly. And the child’s birth parents need to agree with those stated terms.

Relationship after Divorce

Often, children grow close with their stepparents after sharing a long time with them. However, unexpected events like divorce and death can change things dramatically. If the biological parent through which the stepparent entered the family dies, the situation remains controlled.

That is because the stepparent and child/children stay in touch for their affection. Unfortunately, divorces are usually ugly, and the birth parent may not want the stepparent around his or her child or children. Even if the stepparent and child or children share a great relationship, the birth parent may cause problems.

Supporting the Child

A stepparent may support the stepchild financially even after he or she is divorced from the birth parent. It depends on the category of legal guardianship. Besides, what rules are applicable for adopting a stepchild in that province of Canada also plays a vital role.

For instance, in Alberta, contributing to the child financially in the future is given in step-parent adoption. Step-parent rights in Canada are laid carefully for the parent’s rights so as the child’s.

As a result, the stepparent does not get to escape from his or her responsibilities. That is why it is wise to get into a step-parent adoption after careful consideration.

Final Words

Children are a real blessing in anyone’s life. Thus, if you are lucky enough to adopt one through your marriage, it is better to consider it. Besides, eight out of ten times, the adoption of a stepchild makes the relationship more harmonious.

But take this step only if you are sure that you can raise them as your own. That is because how you treat the child is going to affect him or her for life. It will determine how he or she will turn out as a person in the future.

This action can affect a child’s future; take this decision only after knowing that you can do it. If you are a citizen of Canada and want to adopt your stepchild, I hope you are aware of your rights and responsibilities after reading this.

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