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.
1 Step-children are eligible for TRICARE as long as the parent of the child and sponsor are married. 2  If the marriage ends in divorce, the step-children lose eligibility on the date the divorce decree is final.