Come on people.... the delinquent/malcriado/tiguere is a young adult and does not have permanent residency.
Why should the OP abide by the "part of the package" rule now and continue with the residency paperwork only to continue to be financially responsible for this "kid". The kids track record sucks and the OP should have/feel no obligation towards him. How many chances does one get to better their lives/situatuion? Did anyone serve opportunity in a silver platter to any of you? He earned his fate!
Carabella:
I think you misunderstand the "part of the package" rule. As long as the mother is concerned and pushes the step-father to help and or involve himself in her child's issues, it's going to be his problem.... the age of the child has nothing to do with it.
Just as you noted,
the kids track record sucks... this might be evidence that the OP knew what he was in for when he married the woman, putting him in more of a position where he absolutely has an obligation to help, just as she would expect him to. So either he needs to take a firm stance with the mother about his capability, or lack thereof, to help the boy... or do everything in his power to resolve the situation IN ORDER TO KEEP
HER HAPPY... don't you see? the son is not separate from the mother...the are, in fact, a
package deal
If any of this wasn't clear before they were married or the mother wasn't upfront with her son's problems, he has the proverbial, bigger fish to fry.