What is the true definition of a step-father? Is adoption required or any other requirement?

A Stepfather,is the man your mom,or someone else's mom,is going to marry,and is not the biological father,or should I say the real father of the woman's children,he's going to marry. Adoption is not required to be a step-parent,unless the step-parent wants to adopt the children,of his new wife. This decision is made by the mother,step-father,and her children. (Note) I have a Step-mother. My real mom died,when I was younger. My step-mother already had 2 sons,with her first husband,and as the years went by,my other family has been very loving. If this question is about you,then don't worry,everything will work out in due time. (Good Luck)What is the true definition of a step-father? Is adoption required or any other requirement?
Dear IMNAKNOT.Thank you for choosing my answer. Glad I could help out. Good luck ,and best wishes (Squeakers)

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What is the true definition of a step-father? Is adoption required or any other requirement?
A step-father is a man that is married to your mother and is NOT your father. I suppose the only requirement is that he is a man and that they are married (or claim each other as husband and wife) and that he is not the biological father.
actually, these prior answers are incorrect. a step-father marries one of your parents, regardless of which one. adoption is not required, but is common in those relationships where you are living with them.
A step-father is the man that married your mother. With adoption, the man is not a step-father, he is a father.
I don't know exact definition, maybe these will help...


If you have a bro/sis that is your bro/sis. A half brother/half sister would mean you have half the same blood (you both share a parent biologically), if you have a step sister or brother then you share neither mother nor father. To be a half sister your parent doesn't have to remarry, and to be a step child you don't have to remarry, to have a child you don't have to be married. A step-father to me is a father that ';steps'; in and assumes responsibility for what is left after the pre existing family.





If your mom is divorced and seeing other men, and has a relationship with that man, if you are living in the house. By social standards he is your step father. He provides for you, but he has no legal rights to make medical decisions on your behalf) although your mom will probably consult him. Your mom doesn't have to be married to him. it is likely that you won't look to him like a father figure unless he is nicer than your real dad, or you have a relationship with him- by your mom being with him for a long time. If your mom marries your step father he can adopt you and have your last name changed to his, if your biological father will agree. Then the parental rights would go to him and more than likely the biological father would only be obligated to pay past due child support. Then your step father would be your adoptive father. He would then have a say in medical treatment options, schooling, etc. You don't have to be married to adopt either. Single people adopt... Think of Angelina Jolie.
No adoption is required for being a step-parent. If he adopts you then he becomes your adoptive father and your real father becomes your biological father with no rights.
A stepfather is the husband of your mother and not your natural father.