When a parent remarries and the parent’s minor child from the prior marriage forms a significant bond with their new stepparent, the issue of stepparent custody and visitation rights may arise if the marriage with the stepparent also dissolves. Unless the stepparent has legally adopted the child (and is thus no longer a stepparent), courts don’t usually grant a stepparent primary or shared custody of a minor child. But the court may award a stepparent limited visitation rights, depending on the amount of time the stepparent spent with the child, the extent of the stepparent’s participation in the child’s upbringing, and whether the stepparent provided financial support for the child.

In Ohio, stepparents do not have the same legal standing as biological or adoptive parents when it comes to custody and visitation rights. Generally, a stepparent is not entitled to primary or shared custody of a stepchild unless they have legally adopted the child. However, Ohio law does recognize that stepparents can play a significant role in a child's life. As such, courts may grant visitation rights to a stepparent if it is in the best interest of the child. When considering whether to award visitation rights to a stepparent, Ohio courts will look at factors such as the length and quality of the relationship between the stepparent and the child, the degree to which the stepparent has been involved in the child's upbringing, and whether the stepparent has provided financial support. The child's best interests are always the primary concern in these decisions, and the court will weigh the potential benefits and detriments to the child's welfare when considering a stepparent's request for visitation.