Families with step-parenting have both positive and negative effects. The reason is that most step-parents become caregivers, assist with school assignments, and provide emotional support. But in a few instances, they are not fully aware of their legal rights. This can create confusion in case any issues emerge regarding how to treat the child and his future. Thus, understanding the Australian legal system towards step-parents may help clarify the guardians’ responsibilities.
A step-parent refers to a person who is not a biological parent to the child but one who is or was married to the parents of the child. In the law, a step-parent is supposed to treat a child as their own. The laws are primarily regulated by the Family Law Act 1975, which stipulates the individuals who are entitled to make decisions on behalf of children as a legal guardian.
Parental responsibilities refer to the legal rights and duties of parents and guardians to make decisions that safeguard the child’s welfare. Some of the key responsibilities of parents include:
The two primary areas of legal avenues that can be used to increase the level of power of a step-parent are as follows.
A parenting order may give parental responsibility or establish participation in key issues such as decision-making, where the child is residing, or the time they spend together. Parenting orders represent the best interests of the child. Such orders can either be agreed to or decided by a court following a hearing. This is because a clear and enforceable order would eliminate uncertainty related to financial support after separation.
Adoption provides a full legal bond between a step-parent and the child. The step-parent is also a parent with all the rights and responsibilities once adopted. Step-parent adoption usually necessitates that one of the biological parents has passed, lost, or agreed to the transition. The step-children adoption is always given in the best interest of a child, and this is the reason why it must be approved by the courts.
In the event of a blended family, the step-parent does not have automatic rights to visit the child. Parenting orders define the child’s living arrangements and with whom to spend time. A step-parent can request the court to grant them a decree that enables the child to maintain a relationship with him or her. To strengthen your case, you can get help from divorce lawyers in Perth, so that you can stay with or visit the child.
The financial responsibility of supporting children rests with the biological parents first. However, the court can rule under restricted circumstances that a step-parent should contribute to the monetary support. These choices are made based on the level of participation in the upbringing of the child and the financial status of the adults.
Step-parents without a parenting order or adoption can experience practical challenges. Their consent may be rejected by schools, doctors, and government departments acting on behalf of a child. Step-parents may find it useful to make a record of their role in the child’s upbringing. Early legal advice helps the step-parent to be the one who remains and minimises the chances of not understanding.
Legal services can be accessed by step-parents wishing to know their choices. This can be done through the following ways:
Step-parents perform a significant role in the caregiving of children. You can get rights to become the guardian of your step-children through a parenting order and adoption. Furthermore, you can seek the best child lawyers in Perth to assist you in preparing documents necessary to apply to school, medical emergencies, and begin your rights as a legal guardian.
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