What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
Why is it that adoptive parents get the rights, respects, and abilities to call themselves "parents" while step parents get treated as if they are casual observers even if they have been around most of or all of the child's life? Some argue that a step parent is not the biological parent so they shouldnt be making decisions regarding "their" children, but neither are "adoptive" parents. Where is the defining line? I see it all the time on this forum. Once people find out that the person posting is a step-parent, everyone gets angry and informs them that they essentially dont count. Why does that not apply to adoptive parents? Isnt it the same? Non biological person making or helping to make decisions for non biological child? Can a step parent obtain the same legal rights that adoptive parents have?
Why is it that adoptive parents get the rights, respects, and abilities to call themselves "parents" while step parents get treated as if they are casual observers even if they have been around most of or all of the child's life? Some argue that a step parent is not the biological parent so they shouldnt be making decisions regarding "their" children, but neither are "adoptive" parents. Where is the defining line? I see it all the time on this forum. Once people find out that the person posting is a step-parent, everyone gets angry and informs them that they essentially dont count. Why does that not apply to adoptive parents? Isnt it the same? Non biological person making or helping to make decisions for non biological child? Can a step parent obtain the same legal rights that adoptive parents have?