What Impact Could My Dating Have on Child Custody?

You need to take into consideration all the things that you will be doing with the said person. As much as possible, try to avoid exhibiting public displays of affection for it may affect how the judge may rule in your case. In fact, it is highly recommended that you talk to your family attorneys first before you enter into another relationship or date someone new.

When it comes to deciding a child custody case, the court will always apply the “best interests of the child” rule. This principle provides that all the findings of the court must lead to an order or resolution that best promotes the rights and interests of the children involved. If you are opening yourself to a dating scene, there is a chance that the court may find your new boyfriend or girlfriend as someone who is not a good person to be around your kids. The judge may find the person you are dating as a bad influence or a bad example to the children.

There is also a tendency that the other party would feel jealous about the fact that you are already seeing someone new. This could lead to more difficult negotiations and conversations with your ex-wife or ex-husband. Your former partner may react differently upon knowing that there is a new “parent figure” present in the lives of your children. It may result to a situation wherein your ex would want to keep the kids to himself or herself even more. A bigger problem can also arise when the other party would suddenly become unwilling to comply with a previously completed custody plan or agreement.

Taking into consideration all these matters, it is only proper to say that you should be careful on all the activities that you will do while the custody case or negotiation is still pending in court. Think of the ramifications that dating may bring. However, this does not mean that you can no longer see someone new. You just need to be cautious in every single thing that you will do. Remind yourself that the court will always take into consideration all the attending facts and circumstances of each case which will greatly affect the judgment or order to be issued by the judge.