Non Biological Father's Rights

[peanut_briddle]

My question involves paternity law for the State of: Arizona

OK, so I split from my ex husband when our daughter was 5 months. He hasn't shown much interest and hasn't been involved in her life- all together, he has seen her a total of 8 time since then and she will be 3 in a week. My boyfriend and I have been taking care of her since then; thats who she knows as daddy, she has no idea who my ex husband is. We just got the divorce and custody issues settled in August and since my ex is being forced to pay child support, he wants to be a little more involved. Thats my backround; my question is regarding whether or not my boyfriend has or can have any legal voice concerning our daughter since he has taken responsibility for her for so long. We just had a baby boy a couple weeks ago, so now she has a brother. My ex likes to disregard anything my boyfriends says and does and it bothers me since he's the one that stepped up and is taking care of her.

[LawResearcherMissy]

my question is regarding whether or not my boyfriend has or can have any legal voice concerning our daughter since he has taken responsibility for her for so long.

Only if you get married, stay married, and Dad consents to step-parent adoption (where both his rights AND responsibilities are terminated).

Elsewise, no. Legally, your boyfriend is a stranger to the child.

[asulover]

First off, he is only your boyfriend, he has NO rights. If you two do get married then he becomes the child step father, legally though he still has no rights. Unless your ex agrees to an adoption once you two are married he will never have rights.