We often see problems and child custody and visitation issues when a new partner enters into an existing child custody situation. It is natural for those who have gone through a divorce to develop new relationships down the road when they are ready. In most cases, it’s not a question of “if” but “when.” However, a parent sharing child custody and parenting time with a former spouse should carefully consider the impact any new relationship might have on not only their child(ren) but also existing child custody and parenting time orders.
There are a lot of post-decree modification disputes that develop because of the complications of a new partner. My name is John Schmidt, and after more than 25 years of experience as a divorce and family law attorney in Shepherdsville, Mount Washington, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Radcliff, Elizabethtown, Jeffersontown, or Louisville, Kentucky, I can tell you it is important to give careful consideration to each step of introducing a new partner into any situation involving existing child custody and parenting time orders.
In many cases, existing orders address how these situations are to be managed. In most cases, it is up to the parties to determine how to manage these potentially sensitive matters. What is the best strategy when a new partner enters into an existing child custody situation? Communication, and a lot of it. It is rarely in anyone’s best interests to show up in a shared parenting situation with a new romantic partner without advance notice (or warning).
Reach out to your child’s parent (former spouse) to discuss a new, significant relationship and how to integrate that into the existing patterns of each child’s life. We’ve seen a lot of situations where even those with the best of intentions wind up back in Court in a post-decree modification case because the other parent is upset about the impact of the new relationship and how it will impact “the best interests of the child.”
How will you ensure that any new partner understands their role in interactions with your child or children, especially regarding disciplinary measures and parenting decisions? How will you manage interactions with each child and your child(ren)’s parent?
It is best to set clear boundaries and consider how new relationships might impact each aspect of the child’s life, especially around school and extracurricular activities. Be respectful of a former spouse’s perceptions of these situations and watch for any cues from them about concerns and potential conflicts. A productive, working relationship with your former partner, your child’s other parent, is important in any situation involving shared custody and parenting time.
There is ample opportunity for disputes and even legal issues to arise when a new partner enters into an existing child custody situation. In many cases, a little sensitivity and effective communication go a long way to help each child and former spouse acclimate to a new potential partner.
We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get answers to your questions and to learn more about your unique circumstances and how to protect what is most important to you in your family law case.
