Can a person be sealed in a Mormon temple to only one parent?

Question

Dear Gramps,

I have a friend that is a convert to the Mormon Church. Her mother is thinking about being baptized soon. However her mother has been divorced for quite some time and neither my friend nor her mother has any interest in her father whatsoever. My friend wants to know if her mother is baptized can she go to the temple and be sealed to her mother? Basically can someone be sealed to just one of the parents in the temple? If so how is that done? Thank you

Jeff

Answer

Dear Jeff,

A child cannot be sealed to just one parent. However, your friend’s mother may meet and marry a worthy priesthood holder and be sealed to him in the temple. Then her children could be sealed to their mother and her husband. However, in order to do so, if the children have not reached the age of majority, it is my understanding that they must be legally adopted by their new father.

Gramps