Step-parents' rights

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

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's a good idea to get legal advice before making or changing a decision about adoption, custody, access, or guardianship.