The Japanese have a term, kenzoku, which translated literally means family.. The connotation suggests a bond between people who've made a similar commitment and who possibly therefore share a similar destiny.
The laws in different states vary on whether a stepparent in this situation may have child custody rights or pay child support. In some states and situations, the stepparent may be ordered to pay child support if the stepparent loses primary physical custody of the child.
Anyone ordered by the family court to pay child support must do so until the court releases them from the order. Usually, this happens when the child reaches adulthood or the court grants a petition to modify the order. Sometimes, according to About.com, child support is collected to repay welfare benefits, in which case the custodial parent might have no control over the process. Continue Reading.