Step-parents' rights

Information for step-parents who want to apply for custody, access, or guardianship of their step-children

Note: Mouse over any of the terms in green type to see a definition.

Step-parents have the legal right to apply for custody, access, or guardianship rights to their step-children in British Columbia. You must demonstrate that getting such rights would be in your step-child's best interests.

If your relationship with the other parent of your step-child is ending and you want to go to court to get or change custody, access, or guardianship, you can use the self-help guides on this website.

If you want to learn more about adopting a step-child, see the Step-parent Adoptions page on the Ministry of Children and Family Development Adoption website.

Note: It is a good idea to get legal advice before making or changing a decision about adoption, custody, access, or guardianship.

Can refer to where and with whom a child lives, or where a child lives and the rights and responsibilities of a parent regarding the child in his or her care.
Generally means the time children spend with the parent they do not usually live with. However, access is not limited to the parent who does not have custody — any person can apply for access to a child (including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives).
The responsibility for making major decisions for children about such things as what kind of education, health care, or religious training they will receive, and how to manage anything the children may own, such as property or money.

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