Can I be sealed to a step parent

Hello -

I was hoping for any advice and direction for sealing ordinances of parents. I am a first-generation member of the church. Both of my parents divorced and remarried other spouses and have children from multiple families.

I would like to perform saving ordinances for my mother and my father, but also for my step-parents, particularly my step-dad. My question is, who gets sealed to who and where do all the kids fit in? Spousal it seems fairly obvious since they were divorced, but when it comes to who would I be sealed to? I have been very active doing family history for my mothers and my father's lines, but since neither of them is a member there is a gap in the generations. I would like to do family history work for my step-father as he and I are very close, but I am not an adopted child. The truth is I have a much closer relationship with my step-father than I do with my biological father, but I also had close relationships with grandparents on my dad's side. With Dad passing away a short time ago and the rest of my family aging, I'm not really sure what to do. Has anyone run into this question before and is there any guidance from the church about this topic?

I recommend your first step is to discuss this with your bishop. Your Temple President may also be a good source to discuss your dilemma.

I'd start by reviwing the Sealing Policies section of the Geneal Handbook.
In particular sections 38.4.1.7 - Sealing of Deceased Members, and 38.4.2.3 - Adopted or Foster Children Who Are Living.

My personal interpterion is that Section 38.4.2.2 under "Living Children" applies. Likewise 38.4.2.5 under "Adult Children". (I am assuming you are an adult.)

As for doing work for your step-dad's family, again, my personal understanding is that you can research and record your findings in FamilySearch for most anyone. The sticky part is doing the work. For that, I'll refer you to How do I request ordinances for an ancestor who was born in the last 110 years? and Individuals for whom I can request temple ordinances. You're probably OK as long as you follow the 110 year rule which applies to everyone. I would make sure to record your relationship to your step-dad. That would minimize any chances of any problems. (How do I specify biological, step, adopted, and foster relationships in Family Tree?)

Your ward should also have one or more Temple and Family History specialists who should be able to help you with your particular situation.

Thank you all for the information.

If possible, a clearer answer would really appreciated and benefit members in the future as opposed to possibly hurt them and vice-versa. Can go both ways.
Personal example: I gave up my rights to my oldest daughter when she was five because I was convinced it was the best thing to do for her and was told that I had to, so her stepdad could adopt her in order to be sealed in the temple to him completing their eternal family. Now that I am out of the church I am bitter and upset with this thinking/policy/unclear guidance. The damage has already been done for myself, but please help future individuals and families.
Thanks,
Ryan Silver

I have a question. If a child under 18 is sealed to a step parent is that undone if parent and step parent cancel the temple sealing (temple divorce)? What if the children want to be sealed to the biological father after his death?

ldsmom96 wrote: Thu Dec 22, 2022 11:50 am I have a question. If a child under 18 is sealed to a step parent is that undone if parent and step parent cancel the temple sealing (temple divorce)? What if the children want to be sealed to the biological father after his death?

I'd suggest reading General Handbook 38.4.2, in particular, 38.4.2.3, 38.4.2.5, and 38.4.2.8.