What is De Facto parenthood?  It is the raising of a child where an adult has no biological nor adoptive ties to a child.  You can feed them, put a roof over their heads, take care of them when their sick, get them to school, suffer with them when they’re down…

“The Maryland Court of Appeal has ruled that the concept of “de facto” parenthood for those who have helped to care for a child but lack biological or adoptive ties is not recognized in that state. Family law attorneys expect the ruling to have broad ramifications for non-traditional families. Advocacy groups said they will petition state lawmakers to pass legislation recognizing de facto parenthood.”  Laura Smitherman, Baltimore Sun  05/20/2008

This decision goes so far against the true definition of a “parent.”  Being a parent has nothing to do with being present at the moment of conception nor with a document declaring someone a parent.  In being a family law attorney, I have been priviledged to know persons who are parents in the truest sense of the word.  Some are single parents, adoptive parents, step parents, guardians…anyone who has loved a child