As a Step dad, what rights do i have to my step children, in
case my wife dies?  Asked over 5 years ago - Santa Ana, CA   I
am a step dad to one son and one daughter, aged 4 and 5  I would
like to find out what rights do i have to my step children, in
case my wife dies?  My wife and her ex-husband both have joint
legal custody of the kids. This stemmed from a divorce 3 years
ago. We live in california and the ex-husband lives out of
state. The kids have not seen their biological father for 3
years.  The kids live with my wife and I, and we pay for all of
their expenses. My wife and i make a very good income and we own
our own home. In contrast, the kids bio dad has never made any
court ordered payments to my wife in order to support the
children, even though the government has been after him for
years to do so.  My wife and her ex have an amicable
relationship. he will call on occasion to talk to the kids.
finally, for what it is worth, the kids bio dad has been in and
out of prison many times for non-violen