Pony1 said:
Hi, I'm in CA
Quick question. I know stepparents technically have no legal rights regarding their stepchildren, but is there any way to go about making my wife a legal guardian for my child? Also, any advice on Power of Attorney? Does that help give my wife certain authority regarding my child's medical care if I'm not there? I'm just trying to figure out a way of giving my wife more legal rights for my child. Thanks for the help.
Since step parents generally do not have legal rights concerning their step children, there are ways for them to gain some sort of authority over their step kids especially when a step parent is considered custodial. (the step kids live with that step parent)
Give your wife a medical authorization form giving her permission to seek medical/dental/vision treatment for the child(ren). Have her carry this with her, if needed.
Talk to the child(rens) school regarding her *acting* as a parent. Let them know that you give her full permission to *act* as the childs parent in his absense. *Normally*, the school will have no problem with this UNLESS the non custodial parent has a problem with this and voices their concerns to the school.
I am a custodial step parent. Have been for 8 yrs. I have never had any problems seeking medical treatment OR any problems with the school. I have always *acted* as a natural parent (of course letting them know I was a step) and have never once come across ANY problems.
In my case, the natural Mother has NO problems with other people raising and taking on the responsibilities of all of her children; because that frees up her time to have her own life. In fact, I think that she prefers me to do everything. Which has been the case for 8 yrs. Every school year I sign the child up for school myself, take the child to the doctor/dentist myself, and was the primary caretaker/contact person for the child.
Good luck!
