Legal Question in Family Law in Canada

Live in common law - Stepparents

I am live in common law with my boyfriend. I have been living with him for 3 years. He has a son with his prevous marriage. I love that kid to pieces. I have been taking care of the kid almost full time. I take care of him every day during the weeks except for every other week in the evening times his mother takes him. But mainly i take care of him. I was wondering because i am live in common law which is a marrage type relationship, if i would be considered a step mother? We are trying to tell him that i am so i can get the same respect from him as his mother does but his mother keeps telling him i am not.


Asked on 7/08/05, 2:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Donald McLeod Donald R. McLeod Law Corp.

Re: Live in common law - Stepparents

In British Columbia you are a step-parent and if you have contributed to the care, guidance, education and welfare of the child as well as contributed money or money's worth to the support of the child as a part of the household for such a period as you mention, you are a "parent" under the B.C. Family Relations Act with all of the duties and responsibilities of a parent. If you and your partner separate, you would most probably be granted access rights and in some circumstances could ask for and receive an order for custody.

Read more
Answered on 7/08/05, 11:03 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Canada