Sandra Bullock Adoption Fuels Feuds Over Step Parents' Custody Rights

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Sandra Bullock Adoption Fuels Feuds Over Step Parents' Custody Rights

(April 26, 2010) San Diego, CA – America’s sweetheart’s split with TV bad boy Jesse James is fueling debates over custody rights to stepchildren. Sandra Bullock’s latest announcement regarding the adoption of 3-month-old Louis Bardo Bullock, has some parents questioning the fate of the new baby’s relationship with James. Others speculate over the Oscar winner’s relationship with James’s three children. The high-profile divorce case has stepparents across the nation speaking out against unfair legislation.

“Unfortunately unless you’re a parent who legally adopted your step child, many jurisdictions do not recognize guardianship in the same way,” explained Karen Stewart, founder of Fairway Divorce Solutions, an alternative divorce company. In many circumstances stepparents are just as involved in a child’s life as the birth parent and they’re a great source of support and influence. In the case of Sandra and Jesse a lot will depend on how they feel about co-parenting.”

According to the Step Family Foundation, 66 percent of remarried couples break up when children are involved. Stewart, who founded Fairway Divorce after enduring a nasty split, which left her without access to her two steps children, says there are a growing number of stepparents who find themselves in unfavorable situations.

“There are more step families than ever before, yet many legislations have not changed to accommodate this,” she said. “The complicating factor is the legal guardian may or may not be supportive of the relationship with the step parent. Clearly it helps to have the other birth parent supportive of a continued relationship. The best solution is to try to negotiate with your ex to create a co-parenting plan.”

Stewart suggests working with a mediator or divorce expert to create a workable solution that meets the needs of both parties. While celebrities like Bullock and James, may have the budget to resolve custody issues through the traditional court system, Stewart points out most separations are better resolved outside of courts and the majority of step parents can’t afford exorbitant lawyer fees.