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.
Parents are obligatedto pay child support until the child reaches 18 years of age andgraduates from high school or turns 19. A child support order can alsoorder the parents to pay for or provide health insurance. Filing for Guardianship (cont.) 39 12.