Do I Have the Right to Know Who My Ex is Bringing Around My Child?
But after a divorce, you are now splitting custody with your ex. They may have custody of the child as much as half of the time.
When your child is not in your custody, you may be concerned about their well-being. Is your ex bringing unfavorable people around your child? Could they possibly harm your child?
You may be wondering if you have the right to know who your ex is bringing around your child.
In general, no. The other parent can decide who is around your child when they have custody without your input. You typically cannot tell your ex that they need to prohibit certain people from hanging around your child. The main exception would be if there are restrictions stated in a court order. If the person doesn’t pose a safety risk, you shouldn’t be so demanding as to restrict the child from visiting the other parent.
Is There Anything I Can Do?
If there’s evidence that a person poses a risk to your child’s safety or well-being, such as by endangering the child’s physical or emotional health, you have a right to be concerned. You could ask the court to restrict your ex’s new partner from being around your child. You may be able to get an emergency order to protect your child.
If you are concerned, you may need to carry out a background check on your ex’s new partner.
Examples of situations where you may be able to convince a court that a person poses a risk to your child are if they use drugs or alcohol excessively to the point where they are impaired, or they have a history of violence or sexual offenses toward children.
If you do not have specific concerns related to your child’s safety, it may be possible to come to an agreement with your ex that they should delay introducing your child to their new partner. This could help to avoid confusing your children. You could also include a clause in the agreement that prohibits non-family members from seeing your child or staying overnight at your ex’s home. Your ex would have to be in agreement, though, in order for this clause to be valid.
If you have concerns, your lawyer can help. An experienced TX child custody lawyer can advise on reasons to prohibit your child from having contact with specific people and guide you through the necessary legal processes.
Contact Our Pearland TX Child Custody Lawyer Today
Co-parenting after a divorce can be messy. 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. If you have concerns, contact the Texas family law attorneys at The Powell Law Firm. We can help you understand your legal options for keeping your child safe. Fill out the online form or call 832-850-6095 to schedule a consultation today.
