Stepparents 08/14/2006


In Scots law, a stepparent is a person who has registered a civil partnership with (or who is married to) the natural or adoptive parent of the child.

When a parent forms a new relationship, especially when the children are living with them or visiting on a regular basis, the parent's partner is often considered by both parent and children to be the children's stepparent. In day-to-day family life, the personal connection and sense of responsibility may be more important than a legal tie.

However, there are instances where a stepparent in the strict legal definition has rights and obligations towards their stepchild that a bidie-in does not. A stepparent may not have parental rights and responsibilities (PRR): PRR can be awarded to a non-biological parent only by a sherrif's court, and are not automatically acquired on civil partnership or marriage to the child's parent.

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