I have been a stepparent for a young women for half of her life. She lost her father in a truck accident and I came into the picture only a few months later. She was six and now she will be 14. I'm concerned for her because we did have a good relationship tntil the divorce, and now it is all my fault according to her! I still want to be a father figure in her life but most importantly is I think she need to talk to a councilor to see things on both side of the fence. Her mother is not talking to me, and I'm afraid that my stepdaughter is hearing things that are lies. Do I have any rights? Can I still make sure that she is cared for? Can I legaly still be there for her?

I am guessing you didn't adopt her or you would mention it.

It varies a little bit by State but basically, no, you have no rights.

You can't force anyone into counselling, particularly when you aren't legally related to that person.

If you think she is neglected or in danger you need to call CPS OR, because of the long term relationship, one of your wife's relatives, expressing concern. Be prepared for that call to blow up in your face.

No, you have no legal say in what the daughter says and does.

Sometimes the "dislike" says more about the person handing out dislikes than it does about the people answering the question. This is one of those times.

Agree, since you made the choice not to adopt when you were married to the mom, you have little rights now.

You can try of course, hire an attorney file for visits because of your relationship with the child. If the court accepts it, and it is done sometimes, you may be allowed visits and then pay child support. But most likely still if child refuses to visit or see you, it may be hard to force them.

To raymerranch,

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