I have a friend, who I’ll call Ned, who is on the virge of a divorce and his situation is unusual. He married this girl several years ago and she had a son from a previous marriage. When Ned first came in to this little boy’s life, the boy was about 2. Ned really bonded with him and told me that is actually why he ended up marrying the mom. Of course he had feelings for her, but after pretty much raising this child, he couldn’t imagine being out of his life and was scared if he moved on she would not allow him to see the boy any more. So, they marry when the boy is 5 or 6. Now the boy is 10 and they are talking divorce. He is so miserable in his marriage, but is so afraid that since he has no legal rights, he will never be allowed to see the boy again. The boy’s real dad is in the picture, but the visits are few and far between. I am not asking for marital advice for Ned, I am just wondering if anyone has been involved in a similar situation and what was done. Ned really thinks of this child of his own. They have a 3 year old together and he honestly seems like he loves them equally and he’s an amazing father!! I am at a loss for what to tell Ned, so I was hoping some of you could help.

Ned really needs to see an atty in the state he is living in. He is in a precarious place but in some states if he can document the relationship he has with the child and is willing to support him otherwise, he may be granted some visitation. Only an atty could tell him for sure.
Good luck--Ned is a saint. I with all steps were so loving and responsible!