V.L.P. v. J.S.S

In V.L.P. v. J.S.S., 407 A.2d 244 (Del. Fam. Ct. 1978) the Family Court of Delaware, discussing a foster father's duty to support his wife's child, stated, "in the absence of adoption, the duty of a father to support an illegitimate child ceases upon termination of the marriage." 407 A.2d 244, 250 (Del. Fam. Ct. 1978) "Specifically," the court stated, "the natural father. . . . could still be sued for support." Id. The V.L.P. court continued, "a foster father, upon termination of his marriage, had no obligation to support a foster child." Id. "A foster parent may abandon the position of loco parentis at any time." Id. The duty "to support a stepchild continues only as long as that relationship continues. Thus a divorce terminates the relationship." Id.