New Relationships & the Kids: Can I Control When My Ex Introduces a New Partner?

New Relationships & the Kids: Can I Control When My Ex Introduces a New Partner?

“My ex introduced our kids to his new girlfriend after only a few weeks of dating, and now she’s staying overnight when the kids are there. I think it’s way too soon and confusing for them. Can I do anything about when and how new partners are introduced?" ____ In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson addresses a question many divorced parents face: when is it appropriate to introduce a new romantic partner to the children? After only a few weeks of dating, one parent has introduced a new girlfriend who is already spending the night while the kids are present, leaving the other parent concerned about the impact on the children. Jessica explains what the law says about new partners during parenting time, whether a parent can place limits on introductions or overnight guests, and when courts are likely to intervene. She also discusses how parenting agreements, morality clauses, and the best interests of the children may influence these situations, along with practical ways parents can reduce conflict while helping their children adjust to new family dynamics.     Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/] Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/]

Can My Ex Take the Kids Out of the Country Without My Permission?

“My custody order says we each get two weeks of vacation time with the kids, but it doesn’t say anything about out-of-country travel. My ex just told me he’s taking them to Mexico next month and already booked everything. I’m not comfortable with it. Can I stop him, or is he allowed to go?" ____ In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson answers a listener’s urgent question about international travel and custody rights. A parenting plan allows vacation time with the children—but says nothing about leaving the country. Now one parent has booked a trip to Mexico without discussing it first, leaving the other parent uncomfortable and unsure of their rights. Jessica explains how courts generally view out-of-country travel during parenting time, what role joint legal custody may play, and whether one parent can object to international travel based on safety concerns, lack of notice, or fear the children may not return. She also discusses practical issues like passports, travel consent requirements, and emergency court requests when parents cannot agree.    Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/] Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/]

Suddenly Wants 50/50 Custody: Will the Court Look at His Past?

“My ex barely saw our kids for the first two years after we split—maybe a few hours here and there. Now that I’ve filed for child support, he’s suddenly asking for 50/50 custody to ‘be more involved.’ Is the court going to take that seriously, or will they look at his past lack of involvement?" ____ In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson answers a listener’s question about a situation many parents fear: an ex who showed very little interest in the children for years, but suddenly requests 50/50 custody after child support becomes an issue. Jessica explains how courts evaluate custody requests and whether a parent’s **history of involvement—or lack of involvement—**matters when determining parenting time. She discusses the factors judges focus on, including the best interests of the children, consistency, caregiving history, stability, and each parent’s willingness to maintain a healthy relationship with the other parent. Jessica also addresses whether courts view custody requests differently when they appear connected to financial motivations like reducing child support.  Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/] Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/]

My Ex’s New Partner Is Acting Like a Co-Parent — Do I Have Any Say?

“My ex has a new girlfriend, and now she’s the one picking up my kids from school, taking them to activities, and even messaging me about schedules. I didn’t agree to co-parent with her. Do I have any right to say she can’t be that involved, or do I just have to deal with it?" ____ In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson addresses a common and emotionally charged co-parenting issue: a new romantic partner becoming heavily involved with the children. From school pickups and activities to communicating directly about schedules, the listener feels like they’re suddenly co-parenting with someone they never agreed to include. Jessica explains what rights parents typically have when it comes to new partners around the children, where legal boundaries exist, and when courts may step in if a third party’s involvement becomes inappropriate or disruptive. She also discusses the reality that, during a parent’s custodial time, they generally have broad discretion about who helps care for the children—unless there are concerns involving the child’s safety, well-being, or violations of the parenting plan. Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/] Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/]

Different Houses, Different Rules: When Co-Parenting Hurts Your Teen

“My ex and I have a teenage son, and when he’s at his dad’s house there are basically no rules—he’s allowed to stay up all night gaming, skip homework, and even miss school sometimes. When he comes back to me, he’s exhausted and falling behind in classes. I’ve tried talking to my ex, but he just says I’m being controlling and that our son needs ‘freedom.’ Is there anything I can do legally to address this, or is this something the court won’t get involved in?" ____ In this episode of Love Court, divorce attorney Jessica Anderson addresses a parent’s concern about inconsistent parenting between households. One parent enforces structure and school expectations, while the other allows late nights, missed homework, and even skipping school—leaving their teen struggling academically and exhausted. Jessica explains when courts will step in on parenting style disputes and when they typically won’t. She breaks down the difference between general disagreements and situations that may impact a child’s health, education, or well-being, which can justify legal intervention. She also discusses practical options, such as documenting concerns, requesting modifications to the custody or parenting plan, and how judges evaluate what’s truly in the best interest of the child.  Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/] Contact Us: https://andersonkeuscher.com/ [https://andersonkeuscher.com/]