[kcforgason]

My friend is getting a divorce. He has raised his stepdaughter since she was about 3 years of age. Her mother is denying him from any visitation. He asked for the divorce & it is our assumption that the mother is doing this out of spite. The biological father has never been in her life. She knows her stepfather as Daddy. He has provided financial stability as a husband and father. He does not know what to do and we are unclear of his rights. He resides in the state of Texas. Can you please help.

Thank You

[ScottGem]

Does he have an attorney? Generally a stepfather has no rights. But some courts have been more liberal where a strong parent child relationship can be shown. Your friend needs an attorney to plead his case.

[kcforgason]

Thank you

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, he can try, as noted normally the step father gets little or no rights what so ever. Esp since the other father is not in the picture and this man acted in all ways as the father, they may decide to allow him visits and obligate him to child support.