Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Legal rights and authority of appointed custodian' s spouse
I am the aunt of three children for whom I have been granted a court order for custody. The court order is awarded to me, in my name only. I am married and would like to know what authority and legal rights my husband has to support me in raising the children. Specifically does he have authority for coordinating and signing documents related to doctor visits and school matters? As a step father for my daughter he has assisted with these responsibilites without any formal authority or question of authority. Does the same apply in a custody situation?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Legal rights and authority of appointed custodian' s spouse
Your husband is legally reponsible for your support but has no such responsibility for
your nieces or nephews.
And only you, and not your husband, should be executing documents of legal import with respect to the children who are the subject of the custody order.