Identification of Parent Clause

A clause written into some Parenting Plans that is aimed at preventing either parent from identifying a stepparent as a “parent,” e.g., mother cannot have the children call her new boyfriend or husband “Dad.” Many people in this situation tell us that their new significant other is more of a parent to the child than the other legal parent is. And that may be. But until a parent’s rights are terminated, with or without this clause, Courts do not respond well to children calling a non-legal parent “Dad” or “Mom.” This clause is generally seen by family law judges and attorneys as a means to protect a child’s relationship with each parent.