After a divorce, it can take some time for emotions to settle and for life to get back to normal – and it can take even longer before you feel comfortable bringing a new romantic partner into the mix. Dating after divorce can be even more stressful when kids are involved – and it can be especially challenging when your ex-spouse starts seeing someone new. Even when there's no question that splitting up was the right decision, it can still be overwhelming when you don't approve of your co-parent's new boyfriend or girlfriend – and it's even worse when you suspect their partner is potentially dangerous or harmful to your children's well-being. In certain cases, you may be able to take legal action to protect your kids. Read on to learn more and find out how a family law attorney can help.

When You Suspect Your Ex's New Partner is a Threat

First, here's some hard truth: In most cases, there's not much you can do about your ex's new flame being around your kids. You may dislike this person and the idea of them babysitting your children and being an influence in their lives, but your ex is well within their legal rights exposing their children to their boyfriend or girlfriend. If the court has deemed your ex competent to have custody of the kids, they get to decide who they spend time with. You will need objective evidence that this person is a threat if you hope to keep your kids away from your ex's new love interest.

If you truly believe your kids are in danger, what kinds of evidence will you need to keep them safe? In New Jersey, courts aim to protect the children above all else, so you will need to prove that your ex's partner is a threat to their physical, mental, or emotional health. This could include instances of abuse, excessive alcohol use or illegal drug consumption, or criminal activity. If you are able to prove these things are occurring, the court could order a modification to your custody arrangement or visitation schedule. An experienced family law attorney can help you gather the specific types of evidence you will need.

How an Attorney Can Help

Proving that someone is a threat without appearing to cause parental alienation or hinder your ex's right to have a new relationship can be a tricky process, which is why consulting a family law attorney can help. New Jersey family law attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you navigate these choppy waters and make smart choices that will lead to the best possible outcome in your case.

Family law attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm have helped countless families in the New Jersey area through the challenging time of divorce while always keeping the children's best interests and compassion for their clients at the heart of their legal practice. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online today to discuss your case.