Protecting Your Children From Your Ex's New Partner

 Posted on October 14, 2024 in Family Law

When you already have a child custody agreement or court order in place, the arrangement is generally meant to be permanent. Changing a child custody schedule frequently can make it difficult for children to feel stable. However, Texas courts will still modify child custody arrangements if there has been a substantial change in circumstances and the modification is in the children’s best interest. If your co-parent has begun dating someone who you believe is not safe for your children to be around since your child custody arrangements were finalized, you may be able to have the court change the arrangements to keep your children safe. You should be represented by a Galveston, TX post-divorce modifications attorney when you are seeking a change in child custody.

A New Romantic Partner May be a Change in Circumstances

When your child custody arrangements were initially made, your co-parent was either single or dating a person you or the court felt was safe for your children to be around. You made your agreement based on that fact, or the court made its decision based on that fact. You likely would not have made the agreement you did, or the court would not have entered the order it did if your ex had been dating someone who was a danger to your children.

If your co-parent has begun dating someone who poses a risk to your children, things are different now. Your children are no longer safe at home with the other parent. This may be the type of substantial change in circumstances the court needs to see in order to grant a modification.

Knowing Whether Your Ex’s New Partner is Dangerous

It is always a good idea to look into any adult who is around your children. If something feels wrong about your co-parent’s new dating partner or about how your children react to him, your instincts may be correct. It is especially important to be cautious if your ex is leaving your children in the care of her new partner. Your ex’s new partner might be unsafe for your children if he:

• Is verbally abusive or excessively harsh.
• Hits your co-parent in front of the children. 
• Has been physically violent toward the children, even under the guise of discipline. 
• Frequently uses drugs or alcohol to the point of becoming intoxicated. 
• Has a criminal conviction related to children. 
• Has behaved in a way that made your children fearful or uncomfortable. 

It is best to call a lawyer immediately if you feel that returning your children to their other parent would pose an imminent risk of harm.

Contact a Galveston, TX Child Custody Modifications Attorney

Daniel R. Bacalis, P.C. is dedicated to helping parents protect their children. Galveston County, TX child custody modifications attorney Daniel R. Bacalis is board-certified in family law. Contact us at 409-392-1511 for a complimentary consultation.