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.
If the other parent is not following a court order to pay child support, that parent may be ordered to pay your attorney fees. If you are already going through a divorce or a paternity action, the court will issue child support orders in those cases. Top.ou have to get an order from a court. You should contact the Child Support Division of your local prosecutorâs office to help you get a child support order for the first time. (This office can also help you establish paternity, or get the other parent to pay the child support that a court has already ordered).