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 Rhode Island, stepparent custody and visitation rights are not as clearly defined as those of biological parents. While stepparents do not typically receive primary or shared custody unless they have legally adopted the child, Rhode Island courts may consider granting visitation rights to a stepparent post-divorce if it is in the best interest of the child. The court will evaluate 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 any financial support provided. The child's best interests are the paramount concern in these decisions, and the court will weigh the benefits of maintaining the child's relationship with the stepparent against any potential disruption to the child's life. It is important to note that these matters are highly fact-specific and outcomes can vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.