Legal Question in Family Law in California

Stepfather's responsibility for minor children of deceased mother

I have been legally married for two years. I have no children of my own but my wife has full custody (by divorce decree from her ex-husband) of her two sons age 13 and 15 that live in our household (the where-abouts of the ex-husband natural father are unknown). If my wife should die, would I be legally and financially responsible to raise my two stepsons even though I am not their natural father? If the answer is no and I chose not to raise them, what would happen to them?


Asked on 2/15/00, 1:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Wayne Jones Law Offices of Wayne L. Jones

Re: Stepfather's responsibility for minor children of deceased mother

No long term legal responsibility, but care for them while in your care. contact the county department of social services, for guidance. You may want to seek a guardianship over the children, but eventually will have to contact or prove that the natural father cannot be located. all this assumes you are not the adoptive father. good luck

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Answered on 2/21/00, 11:21 pm


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