Can Stepparents Have Visitation Rights?
Blended families are not at all uncommon, and stepparents often play an important role in their stepchildren’s lives. The State of Pennsylvania recognizes the close bond that often forms between stepparents and the children they care for, and in response, stepparents can be – under the right circumstances – afforded visitation rights. If you have questions or concerns about your own rights as a stepparent, an experienced Harrisburg child custody attorney is standing by to help.
Your Role as a Stepparent
The bigger the role you played in your stepchildren’s lives, the stronger your claim for receiving visitation with them is. Those stepparents who fully embrace parenting duties and who are a solid presence in their stepchildren’s lives can seek visitation in the event of a divorce or breakup.
Standing in Place of the Parent
Anyone who can be described as standing in a parent’s place on behalf of the children – or who stands in loco parentis of the children – in Pennsylvania can seek either custody or visitation in the event of a divorce or breakup. This status often applies to a stepparent who does not have the benefit of adoption but who fills the shoes of a parent – when the other biological parent is not in the picture.
Establishing this status includes taking on tasks like the following:
- Caring for the stepchildren
- Preparing meals for the stepchildren
- Attending the stepchildren’s school events and activities
- Taking the stepchildren to appointments
- Providing financial support for the stepchildren
Factors Taken into Consideration
While Pennsylvania courts do not have specific criteria they follow when determining whether a stepparent will be awarded child custody or visitation, factors like the following are generally considered:
- The stepparent’s level of involvement in terms of parenting their stepchildren and the amount of time they served in the role
- The level of independence the stepparent had in relation to parenting their stepchildren
- The degree to which the children depend on the stepparent emotionally
- Whether or not the children view the stepparent as a mother or father figure
Each case is considered on the unique specifics involved, but a seasoned child custody attorney has the experience and legal insight to help you obtain visitation rights with the stepchildren that you love and care for.
It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Harrisburg, PA, Child Custody Attorney
Stepparents often forge very close and loving relationships with their stepchildren, and the State of Pennsylvania honors this solid bond and the care that stepparents provide. Maria Cognetti is a dedicated child custody attorney at Cognetti Law Group – proudly serving Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – who appreciates how much your stepchildren mean to you and is committed to fiercely advocating for your right to visitation. Your ongoing relationship with your stepchildren is important to both you and them, so please don’t wait to reach out and contact us online or call 717-909-4060 for more information about what we can do to help you today.