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.
Alimony is not child support. Child support is money one parent pays the other when parents do not live together. The money is to help pay for your children's needs. Massachusetts laws say both parents must support their children. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines say how much child support a parent must pay and for how long. The parents do not have to be married to each other. A judge can only order alimony when a couple gets divorced.