Nishit Negandhi 18 December 2023

Which document do i need? paternity deed?

I recently married an old friend who's husband dies in January 2021. She has a 16 year old daughter. My friend and I got married in April 2023. By virtue of the fact that I'm married to her mother, her daughter is now my 'step-daughter'. Correct? What document do I need to establish this relationship between the child me and can therefore pass on benefits that I am entitled to, like club membership benefits, etc. to this child? Will notarizing suffice? Do I need to register at the sub-registar? What will be the stamp fee? Lawyer fee? Thanks in advance for your valuable time.

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Quick Summary

This discussion explores the legal standing of a step-parent and the documents required to pass on benefits to a step-child. While marriage to the mother legally establishes the step-parent relationship, it doesn't automatically grant eligibility for benefits. The advice suggests that a paternity deed is not typically required, but options like legal adoption or executing a will to name the step-child as a beneficiary are recommended for ensuring benefits can be transferred.