Can A New Relationship Impact Your Fort Lauderdale Divorce And Child Custody Case?
Starting a new relationship while filing for divorce in Fort Lauderdale or amid a contentious child custody battle can feel like a fresh start. Unfortunately, it can complicate legal proceedings and may jeopardize your rights under Florida divorce laws.
Whether you’re dating casually or living with a new partner, your personal life can impact how issues like child custody, spousal support, and even property division get resolved. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale family attorney explains what you need to know about how Florida law treats new relationships.
How Courts View New Relationships During A Broward County Divorce
Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t have to prove wrongdoing, such as adultery, to get divorced. However, that doesn’t mean your behavior during a separation has no effect.
Under the Florida Statutes, adultery can be an issue when resolving divorce-related matters. Ways a new relationship could impact your rights in Broward County divorce proceedings include:
- Alimony: Spousal support is typically not awarded in cases involving adultery or other marital misconduct.
- Child custody: Your right in terms of being included in a Florida parenting plan could be challenged if your new partner has a criminal record or poses a perceived risk to your child
- Property division: Using marital assets to fund your new relationship could jeopardize your rights to equitable division.
- Court costs and attorney fees: If your spouse can prove the new relationship was a primary factor in the failure of your marriage, they could seek payment of court costs and attorney fees as part of a divorce settlement.
Filing For Divorce In Fort Lauderdale And In a New Relationship? Take These Steps To Protect Your Rights
If you have a pending divorce or child custody case in Broward County and are dating or living with someone new, get legal help from an experienced Fort Lauderdale family attorney and be transparent when discussing the situation.
It’s understandable to want to move on after a bad marriage. However, Broward County Court judges may still scrutinize your choices. We recommend taking the following steps to protect your rights:
- Avoid introducing children to your new partner too soon, as this can affect custody decisions.
- Don’t cohabit with a new partner if you’re seeking alimony, as it could be seen as reducing your financial need.
- Keep finances separate, and do not use marital funds to support your new relationship.
- Document parenting behavior, especially if your co-parent tries to use your relationship as leverage.
- Consult your attorney before posting or sharing details about your new relationship publicly.
To Protect Your Rights In Broward County Divorce and Child Custody Proceedings, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Family Attorney
Contact the Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio if you are concerned about how a new relationship could impact you in a Broward County divorce or during child custody proceedings. We provide the trusted, experienced legal representation you need to protect yourself throughout the process. Reach out to arrange a confidential consultation with our Fort Lauderdale family attorney today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Parenting-Plan-12.995-Forms-A-C/Parenting-Plan
