Is a stepparent liable for the educational expenses of step children?

Full question:

We live in Oregon. My wife is the mother of three children from her previous marriage. All of us stay together. I would like to know whether stepparent is liable for the educational expenses of the children?

• Category: Minors
• Subcategory: Educational Expenses
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Oregon

Answer:

In Oregon, stepparents are under a legal obligation to support the dependent children. The expenses of the family and the education of the minor children, including stepchildren, are chargeable upon the property of both spouses in a marriage who are parents or stepparents of the minor children. The provisions regarding this has been provided in ORS § 108.045, which is provided below:  

“(1) The expenses of the family and the education of the minor children, including stepchildren, are chargeable upon the property of both spouses in a marriage who are parents or stepparents of the minor children, or either of them. However, with regard to stepchildren, the obligation shall cease upon entry of a judgment of dissolution.

(2) As used in this section, "stepchild" means a child under the age of 18, or a child attending school as defined in ORS 107.108 who is in the custody of one biological or adoptive parent who is married to and not legally separated from a person other than the second biological or adoptive parent of such child.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the legal duty of a parent to provide support for a child, as otherwise required by law, shall not be affected.”