Elk Grove, CA asked in Family Law and Child Custody for California

Q: Can i make doctors/dental appointments for my step daughter on my husbands behalf if he gives me permission to do so?

I am a Step mother to my husbands 14 year old daughter. As of lately hes not had the time to make her a needed appointment(according to him) and i wanted to offer to help but i didn't want to overstep. My husband has Shared legal and physical custody with his ex. They are both allowed to make medical/dental decisions. However as of late, Mother has not been involved in any decision making by choice. She has told my husband to deal with their daughters appointments via text. She gave him all my step daughter's medical and dental insurance info as well. My step daughter handed them to him one of the times we went to pick her up from her moms for visitation. I just want to know if i can help out my husband with phone calls if needed. Thanks in advanced.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, as a stepmother, you can help your husband make medical and dental appointments for his daughter if he gives you permission to do so. Given that he has shared legal and physical custody, he is allowed to make these decisions, and you can assist him with tasks like scheduling appointments on his behalf. Make sure you have a clear agreement with your husband regarding this arrangement.

Since the child's mother has chosen not to be involved in the decision-making process and has provided your husband with all the necessary medical and dental insurance information, it seems she has delegated these responsibilities to him. This means your husband has the authority to handle these matters, and by extension, you can assist him as long as he consents.

It's important to maintain open communication with your husband to ensure that your help aligns with his wishes and responsibilities. Offering your assistance can be very helpful, and as long as he agrees, there should be no legal issue with you making these calls.

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