Can My Ex Introduce a New Partner to My Children?

Separations are not easy. Often, separations can become even more difficult when your ex-partner is re-partnering with a new romantic partner post-separation. At Mountain Peak Law, we fully understand your concerns about how and when, or even if, there is a healthy way for new romantic partners to become involved with your children.

It is a very personal decision to decide how and when to introduce a new romantic partner to your children. The courts will not usually intervene with parents’ autonomy in beginning a relationship with a new partner. However, if you have reason to believe that your children are being put at risk by your ex-partner’s new partner, the court may choose to intervene. For example, the court may become involved if the new partner has untreated mental health or substance use issues, has a criminal history, has a history of involvement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, or is violent or abusive in any way.  

There is no set age, length of time, or criteria that must be met before a new partner can be introduced to your children. Accordingly, you may want to consider proposing some parameters to your ex-partner upon separation so that you are not caught off guard by any future re-partnering. Some conversation topics that we typically recommend at Mountain Peak Law include that:

(1)     your ex-partner will give you notice before introducing a new partner to your children;

(2)     your ex-partner will give you the name of their new partner prior to introducing them to your children; and

(3)     your ex-partner will give you notice if they intend to move in with their new partner.

While different parameters may be necessary in different circumstances, and MPL is happy to help provide more specified legal advice, the above parameters can be good jumping off points for you and your ex-partner to have conversations about upon separation. That way, when re-partnering does become an issue, you have already had a conversation about how to prioritize your children’s needs and interests.

If you have questions about your ex-partner’s new partner, feel free to ask them. Communication between co-parents is almost always better than no communication. The more you and your ex-partner are on the same page about who your children are around and when, the better both of you will feel about your children’s safety and well-being.