Family law judges in Kentucky and around the country tend to favor co-parenting arrangements whenever possible because research shows that the children of divorce are less likely to develop emotional or behavioral problems when they spend time with both of their parents. Divorced parents are usually able to put their differences aside when the welfare of their children is at stake, but even the most amicable child custody and visitation arrangements can become difficult when one of the parents remarries.
In this situation, the divorced parent who remarries and the parent who does not may both find themselves in an uncomfortable position. The remarried parent could find it difficult to exclude a new husband or wife who they want to make happy from parenting activities, and the parent who does not remarry may feel like they are being replaced. People who wish to avoid these issues should have frank and candid discussions about how the marriage will affect their parenting roles before it takes place.
Children can also find it hard to cope when one of their parents remarries. They often believe that their parents will reconcile at some point, but a new marriage dashes these hopes. This can sometimes lead to children resenting their parent’s new husband or wife, which can place strain on both the marriage and the co-parenting arrangements.
In some cases, the concern divorced parents have about their former husband or wife’s new partner are based on genuine fears rather than emotional issues. When a new marriage could lead to children being exposed to alcoholism, drug abuse, or unsavory individuals, experienced family law attorneys could petition the court to have child custody and visitation arrangements modified. However, judges could be reluctant to deny children time with a parent unless provided with compelling evidence to do so.