Step parents are often at their wits end about how to handle parenting issues when they are not obtaining the support of, or have communication with, the former spouse.
This kind of situation can be extremely challenging for all concerned.
When one of our senior lawyers was asked about these kinds of situations, this is how he responded:
In one of my earliest cases in the State of Colorado, a very experienced family court judge said:
“Dad, you have rights. Mom, you have rights. Stepdad and Stepmom, you have no rights. Please sit
down and be quiet.”
Step Parents cannot gain rights to their spouse's children simply by asking for them. Until the court
determines otherwise, the parents have all rights to the kids.
However, that does not mean that your spouse is prohibited from delegating some of his parental duties
to you, but your role as a step-parent is limited unless court ordered.