Do I have a right as a mom to tell my sons father I do not want our son around his girlfriend?

Additional Information:

My sons father left my son and I in a real financial pickle and has chosen to just move in with another woman. As a mom I don’t think it’s a good idea for my son to be around this other woman. Do I have a right, where as we have not gone to court yet to say I do not want this woman around my son?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

There are several factors that the Court considers in a situation such as yours. Factors that would be consider include the length of time since the parents separated (at the time of the Court request), the emotional status of the child and how he is coping with the situation, the character of the new girlfriend (is there anything in particular about this person other than being the new girlfriend that merits keeping her away), whether or not the child has formed any attachments to this new person and what is in the best interests of your son. While a divorce is pending, the Court is more likely to issue such orders than in a post divorce situation. In a situation where the parents were never married, there are different considerations. [Read more...]

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law in the area of Family Law provides a positive context in which to address the often difficult emotions and issues that arise during the divorce process without resorting to litigation. The Collaborative Law dispute resolution model is one in which both parties retain separate, specially-trained lawyers whose only job is to help them settle the dispute. If the lawyers do not succeed in helping the clients resolve the problem, the lawyers are prohibited (by the terms of their contract or participation agreement) from representing either client in traditional divorce litigation.

All participants agree to work together respectfully, honestly, and in good faith to try to find solutions to the legitimate needs of both parties so that both sides “win” rather than simply compromise to “get it done.” Both parties also agree not to go to court without an agreement in place, or even threaten to do so. In fact, if a party threatens litigation, the Collaborative Law process terminates and both lawyers are disqualified from any further involvement in the case. [Read more...]