Stepmom's rights after death of father

[kristiesisco]

My four children just lost their dad to colon cancer, and it has been really hard for everyone, so I have been trying to be as understanding as possible regarding time spent with their stepmom.

They used to see their dad and stepmom between 2 and 4 weekends per month.

Now that their father is gone, she still expects visitation every other weekend, and she wants them to come at her time on Thanksgiving... I am thinking she is going to try to control things in this way, from here on out.

What are her rights and how should I handle this situation? Thanks!

 

[ohiogranny]

Legally, she has no rights to the kids.

Whether you want them to maintain a relationship or not is up to you. It may be a good idea to get the kids grief counselling, and ask the counsellor whether contact with SM would be a good idea or not. Ask him/her, would being with SM be a painful reminder that Dad is gone, or would it make things easier? Maybe invite her to your Thanksgiving activities?

It's possble that if SM moves on to a new relationship, she may lose interest in the stepkids. How long have the kids known her?

My condolences on your ex's passing.

 

[Duranie]

I agree with Ohio Granny. She likely will have no rights to the kids, unless she has a half sibling or something then the courts MAY grant her rare visits but I wouldnt count on it. I think it is great she obviously loves the kids, but I wouldn't allow her to have them on Thanksgiving if you do not want it. If there are no half siblings to see then you do not have to allow her any contact with the kids but I do no think it is in their best interest to stop all contact. Hopefully you 2 can remain civil.