Cincinnati, OH asked in Child Custody for Ohio

Q: Ex and I have shared parenting. Live-in boyfriend is a recovering alcoholic. Could ex get custody if he tries?

I am the residential parent and have my children 85-90% of the time. Their dad pays child support. My live-in boyfriend has never drank around my kids, so they have never been in harms way. He is in counseling for his addiction and on a good road to recovery. I am a very good and present mom and want to make sure I'm making the right decisions for my children. They are my number one priority. I'm afraid my ex would strictly take me back to court to try and get residential custody, just so he doesn't have to pay child support anymore. He would not want them more than he has them at this point. Please help!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: There is nothing you can do to prevent your ex from seeking a change to the parenting arrangement. He can assert that right any time he chooses. So don't give him any reason to do that. If he does go to court, a court could determine that having a live-in boyfriend, even if he is a completely great person, is not a good environment for your children, and is not a good example. The court must do what is in the best interest of the children, and if the court decides that a live-in boyfriend, who also has had past problems with alcohol, is not in their best interest, the court could change the parenting. So you have reason to be afraid that your ex could return to court. Do what you can to keep your ex happy with the current arrangement.

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