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 Oklahoma, stepparents do not have the same legal standing as biological or adoptive parents when it comes to custody and visitation rights. If a stepparent has not legally adopted the child, they are generally not entitled to primary or shared custody after a divorce. However, Oklahoma courts may consider granting visitation rights to a stepparent based on factors such as the length and quality of the relationship between the stepparent and the child, the stepparent's involvement in the child's life, and whether the stepparent has provided financial support. The best interests of the child are the paramount concern for the court when determining visitation rights. The court will assess whether maintaining a relationship with the stepparent is beneficial for the child's emotional and psychological well-being. It's important to note that these matters are highly fact-specific and outcomes can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case.