Q: I've been separated (not legally) and living apart from my wife for 4 yrs, but she wants to put stipulations on me?
I live in TN and my wife and I have been separated (not legally) and living apart for over 4 yrs. I've recently began a new relationship and she doesn't want my new partner around our kids when I have them, especially overnight. We alternate weeks in keeping the kids and this would be nearly impossible. When explaining that to her, she said that since we were still legally married, that she could legally have an order stipulating that I keep them apart... Can she actually do that?
A: Yes, some Judges will approve a provision keeping overnight guests of the opposite sex from being in the residence when the children are present. You need to get a divorce. Once you are divorced, the other spouse doesn't have as much say about your relationships ( she can complain, but the court won't get involved unless she can prove the children have been negatively affected by the relationship).
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