Including a New Significant Other During the Holidays

 Posted on December 14, 2017 in Divorce

It is understandable and in many cases expected that you will date new people after your divorce. The tricky part is when and how to introduce your new romantic interest to your family – most significantly your children. You want to include your significant other in all aspects of your life, but you also must consider how others will react. This conflict becomes heightened during the holiday season. You can spend time with your new partner, but including him or her in family events may create uncomfortable situations. There are circumstances in which it is a bad idea to invite a new significant other to a family holiday gathering.

During the Divorce

Openly dating someone while your divorce is ongoing can be damaging to your case. Besides making you look selfish, your divorcing spouse may bring up legal questions of whether:

• You have been spending marital assets on your new romantic partner;
• Your children are safe around this new person; and
• You are showing poor judgment as a parent.

If a divorce court finds some impropriety on your part, it may affect the division of marital property and allocation of parental responsibilities.

Unfamiliar Guest

Your children and close family members should not be meeting your new significant other for the first time at a family holiday gathering. These are intimate affairs meant to be kept among the family. By inviting and introducing a stranger, you are drawing attention to yourself and creating an awkward atmosphere. Your children, in particular, deserve to enjoy the holiday without worrying about meeting a new important person in your life.

Parent Events

You are risking conflict if you bring a new significant other to an event that you know your former spouse will be attending. Unless you have remarried or have a long-standing relationship, it is inappropriate to invite someone you are dating to an event meant for parents. Your former spouse will think that this stranger has no right to be at a family event. This may lead to an argument with your former spouse that will upset your children and spoil a happy event.

Proper Inclusion

When you are in a new relationship during the holidays, it is best to have celebrations with your significant other that are separate from family events. If you want to include your children, plan an outing that is different from your typical holiday activities. That way, your children are less likely to feel that a stranger is invading their holiday traditions.

It is important to carefully consider when and how you introduce a new person into your children’s lives. Exposing your children to the wrong person may cause a court to take away your parental responsibilities. A DuPage County family law attorney at Calabrese Associates, PC, can advise you on how your actions may affect your parental rights. Schedule a consultation by calling 630-393-3111.

Source:

http://www.divorcemag.com/blog/divorce-and-the-holidays-new-significant-others