Seeing an ex-partner move on with someone else can be difficult, especially if you have children together.
We understand that there may be real concerns about timing and impact of introducing new partners to children, as it can take time for children to adjust after parents have separated.
However, if you and your ex both have parental responsibility, you should consider carefully whether there is a legal basis for one parent to stop the other from introducing them to a new partner. It would not be acceptable to do this simply because you don’t want them to move on.
You may be able to prevent your children from spending time with the other parent’s new partner if you have genuine concerns about your children’s welfare.
If there is a real risk that your children will not be safe in the other parent’s care because of their new partner, you may be able to apply to the court for a prohibited steps order.
A prohibited steps order can prevent a parent from allowing their children to be around a specific person and can be used to stop a child from seeing their parent’s new partner if there are safeguarding concerns.
However, the court does not issue these orders lightly, and to apply for one, you must be able to show that it is in your children’s best interests not to meet your ex’s new partner and have strong evidence that your child is at risk. The court will apply the welfare checklist when determining whether to make such court orders.
Family Solicitors Shropshire
If you believe that your ex’s new partner is a direct danger to your child, you should contact the police and seek specialist legal advice.
Our family solicitors at Onions & Davies have experience in handling sensitive issues about children. We will comprehensively address your concerns and advise on the best way to proceed.
To speak to one of our child law solicitors in Market Drayton, call 01630 652405 or email sharon@onionsanddavies.co.uk.
Onions & Davies is an established law firm providing specialist, professional legal advice to individuals and families in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Worcestershire, Birmingham, and the Black Country and beyond.
From our main office in Market Drayton, our private client child law solicitors support clients across various locations, including the towns and surrounding villages of Telford, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Nantwich, Stoke on Trent, Newcastle Under Lyme, Whitchurch, and Newport.
Child Arrangements with Ex-Partner
If your co-parent’s new partner does not pose any direct threat to the safety of your children, you have no legal right to stop them from seeing them.
Instead, introducing a new significant person into your children’s lives should be managed carefully, with your children’s best interests at heart.
These tips can help parents work together to help manage their children’s feelings:
- Speak to your partner. If you are thinking of introducing a new partner to your children, it can help to tell your ex about it beforehand. Letting your ex-partner know what you are planning in advance means they can get used to the idea and increases the chances of them supporting your decision.
- Express your concerns. Maybe you think it is too soon in the relationship for your children to meet your ex’s new partner or that the development will destabilise them and cause them distress. Talking to your ex about your fears means they can take them on board and persuade them to do things differently.
- Remember your children come first. You and your ex-partner are both entitled to move on and start relationships with new people. However, knowing that your children are spending time with an ex’s new partner can trigger many contrasting emotions. Putting your children first and remembering that you and your ex both have their best interests at heart can help you do what is right for them.
- Get help if you need it. It is not easy to agree with an ex-partner over arrangements for your children. However, there is help if you need it. Mediation is particularly useful in family law disputes. Family mediation offers a non-confrontational environment where parties can work together with the help of a neutral mediator to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Family Lawyers Market Drayton
At Onions & Davies, our approachable and dedicated family law solicitors provide comprehensive legal support across various family law and children law matters.
Navigating the complexities of family law can be challenging, which is why we are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.
We understand the importance of safeguarding the well-being of your children. Our dedicated family law solicitors can assist with a range of private children law matters, including parental responsibility, child arrangement orders, variation of child arrangements, prohibited steps orders, and specific issues orders.
We also provide guidance on grandparents’ rights and special guardianship orders, ensuring that your children’s best interests are at the forefront of all legal proceedings.
Family Mediation is often a really good way to communicate in a safe space about these types of issues. When talking about children matters, the government currently (until April 2025) provides £500 for separated parents to use to fund their conversations in family mediation.
Talk to Louise Martin, our Family Mediator, for further details.
At Onions & Davies, we offer a family law clinic in Market Drayton on one morning each week where you can receive personalised information and guidance on a wide range of family law matters.
The clinic provides an opportunity for those with family law issues to take some initial information and guidance on the options available to them from a family law solicitor. Our clinic is accessible, local, and free of charge.
The clinic is by appointment only, so please call Sharon to reserve your space on 01630 652405, or email sharon@onionsanddavies.co.uk.
For more information about our Family Law services, click here.