Can my boyfriend's ex wife legally prevent me from being around their kids? 6 Answers as of October 28, 2011

Under those circumstances, it is highly unlikely that the Court would order you to not be present in the house while the marital children are at/in the house.

An honest answer is, "it depends". The court will look at the best interest of the children and the facts that the other parent will present. You have not given her basis for wanting to keep the kids away from you.

There are two facets to this question: 1. can the ex-wife "prevent" you from being around the children? Maybe - she would have to get an order. She will get one if there are issues in your past and/or present that cause the court concern (ie, issues of drug.alcohol abuse, criminal behavior, etc.) 2. The more pressing issue is whether it is appropriate for the father of these children to be introducing new mates into the children's lives. You do not state how commited you and Dad are to your relationship. No offense, but if you have been together two months, that is not enough time. It is far better for the children if father did not introduce his children to new mates before the relationship was established and solid. Children are vulnerable, especially after a divorce. No one wants the kids to be hurt - and being introduced to a slew of new mates too soon will be detrimental to them. As you stated, children become very attached - so what happens to them if you and Dad break up? All of a sudden it is one more person abandoning them after they have already suffered the trauma of a divorce. Dad should wait until he is in a solid, long-term commitment before introducing the children.

It is unlikely that the court will grant an order that you can not be around your boyfriend's children. If there are issues of substance abuse, domestic violence or a criminal record a parent may seek to prevent a third party from being around the children. If the only issue is that the mother does not want a new partner around the children, the court will not likely grant her request.

It is possible but there has to be a reason to prevent you from being around the kids. The fact that she doesn't like you or that she doesn't want any new women around her kids is not sufficient. If you are in my area and your boyfriend needs an attorney, please contact me for a free consultation.

The courts support the concept of extended or blended families,however if the mother claims your role in the children's lives is somehow disruptive or harmful, the court could set some limitations on your presence. If the mother just doesn't like the idea of the kids being around you,that would not be enough to limit fathers time or your involvement in the children's lives.