Hi, my husband has a 14 year old son, right now he is in the custody of his grandmother (my husband's mother). Both the kid's mother and my husband want custody of the kid. If my husband gets full custody of his son, me as his wife, what rights would I have on the kid? He is my step son, would I have any legal rights on him if my husband wins custody? Thanks

You have no "legal" rights over a child that is not yours, Since the child will be living in your home, you have the right to set up rules and expect him to follow them. From from the courts there is no legal rights

Is it possible for me to file for joint custody of the kid with my husband if he agrees to it? Thanks

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Originally Posted by hodgan

Is it possible for me to file for joint custody of the kid with my husband if he agrees to it? thanks

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No, not while he has blood relatives who have not surrendered him - his father and mother will both be entitled to custody of some sort, joint or whatever the Court orders.

Not unless you get the mom to agree to sign over rights and then adopt him, which sounds doubtful based on the fact that she wants him too. Just for good measure, if they get joint custody and when his son comes over, leave the parenting to the actual parents. You can tell him what his chores are that you and your husband have agreed on, etc, but any real punishment should be left to the actual parent. Don't try to discipline him yourself. Trust me, it will save A lot of problems. Good luck.