What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado
I understand by the "read this before you post rules," that I, as a stepmother, am a legal stranger. Quoted from the post rules: "The child has two parents. THE STEPPARENT is a legal stranger now and forever." But, I have found articles in 2008 regarding Colorado law that say stepparents do have some legal rights, and that these are relatively new for the state of Colorado. This is why I'm posting, in hopes of clarification.
I am the stepmother of two boys. My husband is the Primary Caretaker and was appointed by the Magistrate as Sole Decision-Maker in the Best Interst of the Boys. I am trying to figure out my legal rights as a stepparent.
I've read all I can, including an article published on a local law office's website, "Legal Rights of Stepparents." It helps by only clarifying that I do have a few legal rights, but doesn't really define those rights.
It does state I can be named temporary guardian, in writing, up to 9-months at time. It states:
"A parent who has been granted sole or joint decision making authority (sometimes referred to as "custody") following a divorce or allocation of parental responsibility case ("APR case") may delegate that authority to another person for up to nine months. The delegation of authority is called a temporary guardianship, and must be done in writing. The delegation of authority does not strip either parent of the right to make decisions, but rather, the delegation of authority can run concurrently with the parent's authority. For example, a divorced mother or father may delegate to a new spouse the authority to sign certain school consent forms."
Does this mean my husband can designate me temporary guardian and specify my role in the children's lives so I may be allowed to be involved in the medical care for the children, so I may be allowed to be involved in the educational, recreational and religious activities of the children?
Even if I don't have all the legal rights the mother does, does my husband's role as Sole Decision-Maker allow him to decide I may be involved with the children when the mother protests at school, at the dr's office?
Please, I just want to be clear on my rights.
I understand by the "read this before you post rules," that I, as a stepmother, am a legal stranger. Quoted from the post rules: "The child has two parents. THE STEPPARENT is a legal stranger now and forever." But, I have found articles in 2008 regarding Colorado law that say stepparents do have some legal rights, and that these are relatively new for the state of Colorado. This is why I'm posting, in hopes of clarification.
I am the stepmother of two boys. My husband is the Primary Caretaker and was appointed by the Magistrate as Sole Decision-Maker in the Best Interst of the Boys. I am trying to figure out my legal rights as a stepparent.
I've read all I can, including an article published on a local law office's website, "Legal Rights of Stepparents." It helps by only clarifying that I do have a few legal rights, but doesn't really define those rights.
It does state I can be named temporary guardian, in writing, up to 9-months at time. It states:
"A parent who has been granted sole or joint decision making authority (sometimes referred to as "custody") following a divorce or allocation of parental responsibility case ("APR case") may delegate that authority to another person for up to nine months. The delegation of authority is called a temporary guardianship, and must be done in writing. The delegation of authority does not strip either parent of the right to make decisions, but rather, the delegation of authority can run concurrently with the parent's authority. For example, a divorced mother or father may delegate to a new spouse the authority to sign certain school consent forms."
Does this mean my husband can designate me temporary guardian and specify my role in the children's lives so I may be allowed to be involved in the medical care for the children, so I may be allowed to be involved in the educational, recreational and religious activities of the children?
Even if I don't have all the legal rights the mother does, does my husband's role as Sole Decision-Maker allow him to decide I may be involved with the children when the mother protests at school, at the dr's office?
Please, I just want to be clear on my rights.
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