Recognition of Non-Biological, Non-Adoptive Parents in Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Utah: A De Facto Doctrine to Protect the Best Interests of the Child
D’Arcy L. Reinhard, 13 J. Gender Race & Just. 441 (2010)
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It is in the best interests of a child to continue a relationship with a NBNA [non-biological, non-adoptive] parent if the homosexual couple breaks up. In the four states examined in this Note–Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Utah–the only way to secure that relationship is through the state courts. NBNA parents need standing to bring child visitation cases in those courts. Plaintiffs can find a basis for standing in the unique statutes and case law of each of these four states. The courts in these four states should adopt a standard test to determine if an individual NBNA parent qualifies for standing.
