➡ From Child Welfare Information Gateway NJ:
US: Attorney: One need not be an actual parent to gain parental rights
Walla Walla Union-Bulletin – June 14, 2016
It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that the affinity of certain nonbiological parents can become an integral part of a child’s growth, development and life in general.
http://www.union-bulletin.com/local_columnists/legally_speaking/attorney-one-need-not-be-an-actual-parent-to-gain/article_b6da8c1c-3189-11e6-a852-9f68813ca717.html