Legal Definitions - stepbrother

A stepbrother refers to the son of one's stepparent. A stepparent is the spouse of one's biological or adoptive parent, but not the individual's own biological or adoptive parent. Therefore, a stepbrother is not related by blood or adoption to the individual, but rather through the marriage of their respective parents, creating a familial bond within a blended family structure.

• Example 1: After her parents divorced, Maria's mother, Elena, remarried a man named Tom. Tom has a son named Daniel from a previous marriage. Daniel is Maria's stepbrother.

  Explanation: Daniel is the son of Tom, who is Maria's stepparent (her mother's new husband). Their relationship is formed through the marriage of Elena and Tom.

• Example 2: John's father, David, married Susan after John's biological mother passed away. Susan has a son named Kevin from a previous relationship. Kevin is John's stepbrother.

  Explanation: Kevin is the son of Susan, who is John's stepparent (his father's new wife). Their connection is established through the marriage between David and Susan.

• Example 3: Sarah's parents are divorced. Her father, Michael, marries Lisa, who has a son named Ethan from her previous marriage. Even though Sarah lives primarily with her mother, Ethan is still considered Sarah's stepbrother.

  Explanation: Ethan is the son of Lisa, who is Sarah's stepparent (her father's wife). The relationship exists due to the marriage between Michael and Lisa, regardless of the children's primary residence.