Can I stop my ex's new wife from seeing my child?

Asked by: Nelle Schmitt  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)

You would need to be able to show specific cause for concern and a court would normally need evidence to show that the new partner poses a risk to your children. If you are concerned, you may need to carry out a background check on your ex's new partner.

Can I keep my ex's new partner away from my kids?

The short answer is (generally): No. You and your Ex both have the right to form new relationships; unless there is a court order in place that expressly prohibits your Ex from exposing your children to any new romantic partners (which, frankly, is rare) then there may be little that you can do.

Does my ex-husband's new wife have rights to my child?

Legal custody and decision-making

In most cases, courts grant this right to one or both parents and do not extend it to a new partner.

Can I stop my ex's new girlfriend from babysitting my child?

You can't stop it, but if you have a good reason for it, you can request it. Have you met this woman? If not tell your ex you'd like to meet who your child is around. That's a right as a parent you have and a reasonable request. Also discuss together what you feel comfortable with as far as her involvement.

Do I have a right to know who my ex brings around my child?

Unless you have a custody order that says otherwise, no your ex can't dictate who see his children.

Can I Stop My Ex’s New Spouse From Seeing My Child? - ChooseGoldman.com

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Can you control who your co-parent allows around your child?

However, there are instances where you might be able to control who is around your child when you're not there. To do so, you either need the other parent's agreement or evidence that their significant other is unsafe or unhealthy for your child's well-being.

Can my ex wife move away with my child?

Ultimately, your parenting plan has quite a bit to say about whether or not you or your ex can relocate with your kids. In order to move, the custodial parent must file for a modification to the current custody agreement and request permission.

Can my new partner be around my child?

If your new partner is friendly with kids and your child is comfortable around them, you can occasionally allow them to babysit or stay with your child – unless the court order or parenting plan is against it. Nonetheless, avoid leaving your child with your new partner all the time.

What looks bad in a custody battle?

Bad-mouthing your ex-spouse or engaging in verbal or physical altercations with them in front of a judge looks bad. If your children are present, it looks even worse. Judges understand that tempers run high during custody cases, but lack of self-control will not reflect favorably.

Can I go after my ex husband's new wife for child support?

Your new spouse's income may not be garnished by your ex to satisfy your outstanding child support amount.

What happens if you have a baby with someone else while married?

Either you or your spouse must file a Motion to Determine Child Born Out of Wedlock to ask the judge to revoke paternity. You can use the Do-It-Yourself Revoke Paternity Established by Marriage tool to prepare the forms you will need.

Can I stop someone from being around my child?

The answer is yes, you can stop someone from seeing a child. However, you should only do so if there is a risk to the child. You can apply to court to prevent such contact.

Can I control who my ex has around my child?

In most cases, neither parent has the right to determine who can be around their child. However, there are certain circumstances where the court must consider limiting contact with certain individuals. This includes new partners, friends, or family members.

Does having a girlfriend affect custody?

Typically, living with a new girlfriend or new boyfriend does not cause a parent to lose custody by itself. However, courts consider how each parent's living situation affects the child and may not award custody to a parent if living with their partner puts the child at risk.

Does having another child affect custody?

For instance, one parent remarrying or having more children could constitute a 'material change,' depending on how it impacts the child. The focus is consistently on what's in the child's best interest, and any adjustment to the custody arrangement must reflect a pursuit of this principle.

Do I have a say in who my ex brings around my child?

You may be concerned about who hangs around your child while in your ex's custody. However, you generally do not have the power to prevent your ex's friends and lovers from being around your child, except in extreme circumstances.

Can living with a new partner affect custody?

If you choose to live with your new partner, especially before marriage, it could impact custody determinations. This is particularly true if such a move might be detrimental to the child's best interests. Consider how your child is coping with the introduction of a new romantic partner.

Does your child or partner come first?

Putting your children second might seem counterintuitive, but science says your marriage should come first.

Can you stop someone moving away with your child?

While neither a judge nor a former spouse can prevent someone from moving, they can prohibit a custodial parent from relocating with their child if they believe that this move would be detrimental to the child.

At what age can a child decide which divorced parent to live with?

In California, a child's preference in custody matters is not the only factor considered by the court, but children aged 14 and above can express their parental preference to aid in determining custody.

Does my ex wife have to tell me where my child is?

What can I do to figure out my child's location? You can contact the other parent while your child is visiting them, but they aren't obligated to tell you where they are unless you have a court order that requires them to.

Can my ex stop my new partner from being around my child?

Instead, you would need to apply to a court for a Prohibited Steps Order. This is a court order that can prevent a parent from taking a specific action with regard to a child, such as allowing them to be around a certain person specified in the order as well as stopping access to a child in other ways.

Do I have a right to know who is around my child?

Do I have a right to know who is around my child? Yes, as a parent involved in a custody or divorce case, you have the right to know where and with whom your children spend time. It's important to address any concerns with the custodial parent or seek legal counsel from The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC if needed.

What not to say during a custody battle?

Avoid cursing and putting down the other parent, your children, in-laws, and other family members, the mediator, the judge, and others involved in the process. That can be tricky when sensitive topics, such as substance abuse, are at play.