This is the next article in my series on requesting supervised visitation in Melbourne or other Florida areas. My last article discussed when Courts will require supervised child visitation due to criminal activity by a parent. It is important to understand that when a parent has been arrested then Courts will impose supervision requirements if they believe the parent cannot act in the child’s best interest. To gain an understanding of how the Court may rule in your situation it is best to speak with an attorney. In this article I will be discussing a parent’s desire to require supervised visits due to their ex having a new boyfriend or girlfriend. If you are in need of assistance then contact our office today to speak with a child custody lawyer.
It is common for parents to be upset when their ex begins a relationship with a new significant other. It is also common for parents to think that this new person is not an appropriate choice in terms of who should be around their child. It is important to remember, however, that a Court’s sole concern in any child custody case will be for the best interests of the youth. Differences over parenting styles or philosophies are not something that will concern the Court. Unless a parent can actually articulate a reason why the new significant other is somehow resulting in the child’s best interests not being served, the Court will likely disregard the concerns.
If you have concerns regarding your ex’s new partner then it is important that you address them with your ex. The ability to work with your ex in a cordial fashion is something the Court will consider in any subsequent custody proceedings. If the record shows that you are regularly instigating conflict then such conduct may well be held against you should your ex take the case to Court.
It should be understood that there are times when the Court will require supervised visitation due to a new significant other. Suppose, for example, that a mother begins dating an individual with an extensive criminal history and a record of domestic violence in other relationships. In such a situation the Court will likely be concerned. Depending on the facts of the case, the Court may order that visitation be supervised if the Judge is concerned that the child is somehow at risk. In more extreme cases, such as those where a parent begins dating someone who has been convicted of a sex offense, the Court is more likely to take swift action.
If you are involved in a child custody dispute then it is important that you seek legal representation. I am a Melbourne family law attorney and I understand that this is an important time in your life. My office will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today to schedule an initial consultation. I also service clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.