New relationship making custody situation complicated

May 3·1 min read

Been divorced for 3 years and recently started dating someone serious. She wants to spend time with me when I have the kids but my ex is really upset about it and is threatening to go back to court saying it affects the kids' stability. We haven't even introduced her as anything other than a friend but my ex found out. Is she right to be concerned? How do I navigate this without it blowing up into a legal battle?

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Comments(3)

MMiguelRegularMay 4

Congrats on finding someone serious. The custody thing is tricky though. I'd say take it slow with introducing them. Like, maybe she hangs out once a month for something casual before you even think about her being around during custody time. Your kids need to feel like they're not being replaced.

JJoeRegularMay 3

Talk to your ex about this before you bring your new girlfriend around the kids. You don't want that to blow up into a custody thing. Even if you guys don't get along, going about it maturely makes everything easier for the kids.

PPedroRegularMay 3

This is a delicate situation. How old are your kids? Because honestly that matters a lot for how to handle it. My rule is new girlfriends don't meet the kids for at least 6 months, and definitely not overnight until things are way more serious than 3 months. Just protecting everyone here.