Will a new relationship impact your child custody case?

 Posted on September 20, 2022 in Child Custody

Legally speaking, no law prohibits you from finding love again following your marriage’s failure. And if you get into a new relationship, it may be exciting to introduce your new partner to your family and kids. Unfortunately, this might not thrill your ex-spouse, especially if you share a child with them.

As you probably know, child custody can be quite complete. It involves coming up with a new plan for your child’s life. And that plan must focus on the best interest of the child. If you decide to date again, it is important that you understand how this decision will impact your child custody case.

Here are two instances when your dating life can threaten your custody case.

If your dating life is affecting your ability to care for the child

If your new relationship is robbing you of your parenting time, then there could be a problem with your custody case. For instance, if your ex discovers that you are missing the child’s medical appointments or other important activities in the child’s life like school functions in favor of your time with your new love, then they might use this as the basis for modifying an existing custody order.

If your new partner poses a significant threat to the child

Getting romantically involved with a registered sex offender can present a serious problem to your custody case. This is especially true if you and your child will be sharing a living space with your new partner. Likewise, dating a career criminal, a drug addict or an individual who traffics drugs can be problematic. Any of these can be valid grounds for questioning your parenting ability.

Child custody and living arrangement is a big deal when the marriage is over. Find out how you can safeguard your rights as well as your child’s best interests both during and after the divorce.