Legal Definitions - equitable parent

Definition: An equitable parent is a person who is not a biological or adoptive parent but has formed a close parent-like relationship with a child and assumes the duties and responsibilities of a parent. This status is used as an equitable remedy and arises when a person living with the child and one of their legal or natural parents forms a close bond with the child.

Example: A stepfather who has treated the child as his own while married to the child's mother, is the only father the child has ever known, and seeks the rights of fatherhood can be considered an equitable parent.

Explanation: In this example, the stepfather has formed a close bond with the child and has assumed the duties and responsibilities of a parent. Even though he is not the biological or adoptive parent, he can be considered an equitable parent and may have legal rights to custody or visitation with the child.