[hunttrac]

When the mother marries someone other than the child's bio father, does the step-father usually adopt the step-child? If not, does the step-father have any parental rights? Is it best for the step-father to adopt the step-child? How do people usually handle this situation?

[Mr. Knowitall]

When the mother marries someone other than the child's bio father, does the step-father usually adopt the step-child?

No, but step-parent adoption is not uncommon.

If not, does the step-father have any parental rights?

In most states, the step-parent has parental rights only by virtue of the authority granted by the parent spouse. A minority of states (perhaps only California) may extend parental rights to custodial step-parents in limited circumstances following divorce.

Is it best for the step-father to adopt the step-child? How do people usually handle this situation?

Most people have the child continue a relationship with the biological parent pursuant to the custody and parenting time order.