Stepfamilies

Step families consist of a child or children, a biological parent, and a step parent or cohabiting parent who has assumed a parental role.

If a parent with sole custody of his or her child marries or begins cohabiting with someone other than the biological parent of the child, the custody of the child will also rest with the step parent or the cohabiting parent. This only applies if a registered cohabitation has lasted continuously for at least one year.

A step parent or a cohabiting parent only has custody of a child for the duration of the marriage or cohabitation, unless a custodial parent dies, in which case the step parent or the cohabiting parent continues to have custody, unless otherwise decided or considered in the best interests of the child.

Links of interest

• The Ombudsman for Children

• Social Welfare and Families, Ministry of Social Affairs

Laws and regulations

• Legislation, Government Offices