Relationship Test
To meet this test, a child must be:
• Your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant (for example, your grand- child) of any of them.
Thank you Bsch4477 for answering. I am concerned about the word, "decedent." The child I am asking about is technically not a decedent but a step grandchild by marriage. Does she qualify as a dependent? Sorry to ask again. Thank you for your patience.
You marry spouse thus your spouse's children are your step children or in IRS terms your child due to the marriage.
This child (step) had kids ... those kids are your grandchildren (not step) due to the marriage to spouse ... this holds even if you divorce the spouse.
Hence they do qualify since they are a descendant of your IRS child.
If what I think the OP is describing is a situation in which I marry a spouse. Her child (my stepchild) is my dependent child. But then that stepchild marries someone with a child. That stepchild is not my decedent.
Thank you Critter-3. I know I sound a little confused about this but I just want to be careful not to make a mistake. Yes, I understand my step child is my child, no question about that. The "grandchild" in question is not my daughters child but a child her husband already had when they got married. Am I still ok to claim her as a dependent? We meet all the other requirements.
Again ... relationships forged in marriages live on even after divorce ... so you are good. However, make very sure you have the right to claim the child ... parents always have priority unless they don't qualify. AND make sure you have the documents needed to prove the relationship and time spent in your care if audited.