Finding love again is a magical feeling. In preparing for marriage, you must also plan for your future – and while that may include a new partner it will always include your children. So, you may worry about how changes, even happy changes in your life, could affect your established child custody arrangement?
A new relationship does not warrant an automatic change
The North Carolina Judicial Branch notes that to change a custody order, a parent would have to prove:
- There was a considerable change in their circumstances
- Those changes would affect the child’s best interests
A new relationship, or a new marriage for that matter, is a change in circumstances. Additionally, your children’s interests – and your custody arrangement – are most certainly matters you must consider as you enter into a new relationship or marriage.
However, on its own, a new relationship would not necessarily mean you had to modify your child custody agreement.
But details of the relationship could have an impact
The relationship itself might not lead to a change in custody, but there are aspects of it that could. The character of a new partner could come into question, especially if it would not be in the child’s best interests to be around them. For example, there could be concerns over:
- If a new partner has a criminal record
- If a new partner exhibits behaviors that worry a co-parent, such as excessive alcohol use
When you meet a new partner, it is imperative to consider their background as well as your future together, and how they interact with your children. It is particularly important to take great care introducing a new partner to your children and maintain open communication with your co-parent about this development in your life.
And your children may have a say in the matter
Of course, you and your co-parent are not the only people involved in your custody arrangement. Your children live this arrangement every day. Their reaction to a new relationship or remarriage could also influence any changes in the custody arrangement, since a child’s preference is indeed a factor that can impact custody matters.
Remember: your children’s needs are what matter most in a custody arrangement. It is important to be mindful of that at every stage of a new relationship.