Do stepchildren qualify for benefits with the army?

Question

My boyfriend and I were planning on getting married in 2010. Now he's talking about joining the Army, so I'm sure we'll get married much much sooner that way I'll be with him when he's stationed. I don't know much at all about the military, or military life. But my main question is reguarding dependents. I have a daughter, so he would have a stepdaughter if we got married. Would she count as a dependent of his? I'm sure having a dependent adds to pay, and insurance and stuff like that right? Would she count?

Also, off topic a little. What would happen with my daughter and her father if I end up going miles and miles away. Can he try to take her away? Will they just come up with a custody arrangement where he gets her on like school holidays and summers and stuff? We don't have any custody arrangement through courts right now. I just have her, and he watches her a few nights a week.

Answer 1

His step-children can qualify for the same benefits as his own children and you as long as he is claiming them and no one else can.

As for custody and all that, that is personal subject that you should speak to a lawyer about.

Answer 2

In the military, you can sign-up any relative that you support, as being your dependents.

Answer 3

as long as you have primary custody( basically the child would live with the Servicemember at least 51% of the time) they would qualify for all the same benefits you will.  should you divorce..they would lose all benefits just as you would unless he adopted her legally.  

as for the birth father: get a legal court order establishing something.  it is in everyone's best interest.  he could easily accuse you of kidnapping/deliberately keeping the child away from him if you move out of state( or even out of town)

Answer 4

yes, she would be considered his dependent if you got married and she lived with you at least half of the year, and would be entitled to all benefits that a natural child would.

As for visitation, custody, and whether you would be allowed to take your daughter out of state, that is something that would have to be settled between you, your ex, and the courts. The military does not get involved in custody issues. You may or may not be able to take your daughter out of state.