Sometimes, a Divorce Lawyer in Puyallup WA represents a client who is already in a new, serious relationship while still being married to someone else. This can be a tricky situation if the other spouse wants to use the affair as evidence of bad behavior when determining child custody and visitation issues. The other spouse may want to paint the new romantic partner as a home wrecker and limit the children’s time with that person.
The Kids Are Unhappy
The problems posed by this new relationship will be even worse if the youngsters don’t like the person they view as an interloper. They may feel the individual was responsible for breaking up their family. They may refuse to be with the parent if the new romantic partner is there too. This can have an impact on a judge’s decision about custody and visitation.
Family Court
A Divorce Lawyer in Puyallup WA knows that family court judges want parents and children to maintain fulfilling, rewarding relationships. A judge is unlikely to restrict visitation unless a lawyer can prove the home environment is unsuitable for the youngsters. If the divorcing spouses live close enough to each other, shared custody may be encouraged if both parents want custody. An extramarital affair generally does not preclude this.
Religious Issues
There may be an issue if the parent in the new relationship is now living with this partner. The other parent may have strong feelings about how that will affect the children. For example, the family may have previously been very involved in a religious faith that views adultery as sinful. Cohabitating would also be viewed as immoral. A lawyer like Kevin G. Byrd may represent either side of this type of case to ensure the client’s rights are protected and the children are raised in a favorable environment.
An Unfavorable Environment
If the lawyer represents the parent who wants to limit the children’s time with the ex-spouse, the attorney must show evidence the new environment is unfavorable. For instance, the new partner may have children living there, meaning there is not enough space for the other kids to stay overnight comfortably.
