Although stepparents often play important roles in their stepchildren's lives, residential stepparents generally have fewer rights than legal guardians or foster parents. U.S. law does not consistently recognize stepparents' roles, functions, rights, and obligations regarding their stepchildren. This paper examines and synthesizes diverse current stepfamily legal policies and regulations as well as legal and social science policy reform concerns. Policy recommendations related to stepparents' roles and responsibilities that would better balance various interests while promoting children's welfare and strengthening diverse family forms and relationships are offered.