Disputing Your Child’s Introduction to Your Ex-Spouse’s New Partner in Kendall County

 Posted on October 18,2022 in Chicago divorce attorney

Acrimonious divorce and custody battles can be traumatic for the child in the short term and, if unresolved, in the long term. If a parent starts to date shortly after the divorce, this can wreak havoc on the child’s psyche as they try to adjust to their new circumstances. The child’s confusion and animosity regarding the divorce will likely intensify if a parent dates a person from an adulterous affair that was the catalyst for the divorce. Introducing a child to a new partner may instigate the child’s feelings of abandonment and heighten friction between the other parent. 

If not stipulated in the divorce decree or parenting plan, a parent has the legal right to introduce their child to a new partner. However, this does not necessarily render the disputing parent without legal recourse. A divorce attorney can help negotiate an agreeable solution and implement a post-decree modification.

Potential Issues That May Necessitate a Modification  

Modifications to a parenting plan depend on the child's best interests.  A disputing parent can only prevent an ex-spouse from introducing a child to a new partner if they can prove the new partner is a threat to the child’s welfare.  If the child has already spent time with the parent’s new partner, the court could take action if jeopardizing occurrences are proven, such as, but not limited to, the following.

• The ex-spouse’s new partner is physically, mentally, or sexually abusive toward your child.

• The ex-spouse’s new partner has a child that bullies your child.

• The ex-spouse’s new partner excessively disciplines your child without your approval.

• The ex-spouse’s new partner has addiction problems with drugs or alcohol that endanger the child. 

• The ex-spouse’s new partner drives recklessly with your child in the car.

• The ex-spouse’s new partner has a criminal record involving violent or child-related offenses.

• Without your knowledge or consent, the ex-spouse’s new partner exposes your child to their siblings, parents, children, or friends who may poorly influence or harm your child.

• Against your wishes or knowledge, your young child sleeps between your ex-spouse and his new partner, for instance, after your young child awakes from a nightmare and seeks comfort. 

• The ex-spouse’s partner holds political beliefs contrary to your own and pontificates those beliefs to your child.

• The ex-spouse’s partner attempts to indoctrinate your child with religious beliefs that conflict with the religion you have raised your child. 

• The ex-spouse’s new partner permits your child to partake in activities prohibited in your home, like watching illicit films or eating too much sugar.

If you are worried about your child’s safety when he or she is with the other parent, you may be able to modify the parenting plan through the court to reduce the other parent’s parenting time or implement other parenting time restrictions.

Dating Suggestions for Divorced Parents

With a divorce, some parents rightfully feel at liberty to date whomever they want. When the child's stability is concerned, however, disputes may erupt. A collaborative divorce lawyer can assist in creating guidelines for when and how a child will be introduced to a parent's new partner. Some common tips include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Abstain from introducing your child to a revolving door of multiple partners.

• Communicate with your ex-spouse that you want to introduce your child to your new partner. 

• Wait until 6 – 12 months before introducing your child to your new partner. 

• The first few introductions should be light, fun, and with a time limit, such as a play, a hockey game, or a breakfast outing. 

• Parental decision-making is strictly the parents’ duty, not the new partner’s concern.

• Unless married, refrain from overnight sleepovers with the new partner during parenting time.

Contact a Kendall County Family Law Lawyer

At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., dedicated divorce attorney Matthew M. Williams conscientiously works for fair and favorable solutions. With experience in handling over 1,000 divorce cases, lawyer Matthew M. Williams is also trained and certified in both collaborative and cooperative law. Adept at modifications, attorney Matthew M. Williams offers flexible payment plans and reasonable retainers.  If you are concerned about your child being introduced to your ex-spouse’s new partner, contact a Yorkville divorce attorney at 630-409-8184. 

Sources: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K602.10

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/05/20/introducing-kids-your-first-love-after-divorce/ 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-divorce/202205/how-and-when-introduce-your-new-partner-your-kids