Stepfather

A man who is married to or partnered with someone’s parent but is not that person’s biological or adoptive father.

Stepfamily: A family formed when a parent partners with someone who is not the other parent of their child. A stepfather is one possible adult in this broader family arrangement.
Co-parenting: The shared practice of raising a child by two or more adults, often across separate households. A stepfather may coordinate care with the child’s other parent.
Blended family: A family household that includes children from different parental relationships. A stepfather may help form a household joining children and adults from earlier relationships.
Stepmother: A woman who is married to or partnered with someone’s parent but is not the child’s biological or adoptive mother. This is the corresponding role for a woman partnered with a parent.
Stepparent: A person who is married to or partnered with a parent but is not the child’s biological or adoptive parent. This broader role includes stepfathers as well as stepmothers.
Custody (law): Legal authority over a child’s care and the arrangements governing where the child lives. A stepfather’s role may depend on custody arrangements between the parents.
Stepfamily dynamics: The relationship patterns and adjustments that arise among members of stepfamilies. A stepfather’s relationships with children and co-parents shape these household dynamics.
Foster father: A man who provides parental care to a child placed with him through a foster-care system. Foster care arises from a placement arrangement, not necessarily a parent’s partnership.
Biological father: A man who contributed genetically to a child’s conception. The distinction from a biological father is part of the stepfather’s definition.
Child support: Financial payments intended to help meet a child’s living and care expenses. A stepfather’s financial contribution is distinct from a legal child-support obligation.

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