What are the legal rights for Step-parents in NY for signing consent papers?

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

A step parent does not have the legal right to sign a consent form on behalf of a parent unless they are also an adoptive parent of the minor. A step parent cannot consent to medical care, financial obligations, or educational forms for the minor - that must be a legal parent or guardian.

Answer by  patti (29325)

Generally, a step-parent has no rights except those assigned in a court. One of the two living parents or a legal guardian would have the primary responsibility for decision regarding the child. Much depends on what sort of "consent" you are referring to, but it is most likely that a parent or legal guardian would need to be involved.