Can My Ex Introduce a New Partner to Our Children in Illinois?

 Posted on September 24, 2026 in Divorce / Family Law

In Illinois, a parent typically does not need an ex's permission to introduce a new partner to the children during their parenting time, unless there are stipulations in their parenting agreement that say otherwise. However, a new partner can become a legal issue if there are serious concerns about a child's safety or well-being. Our Geneva, IL family law attorney can explain your options if you are concerned about someone spending time with your child in 2026.

Can I Stop My Ex From Introducing a New Partner to Our Children in Illinois?

Illinois law allows each parent to make routine decisions while the children are in their care. Under 750 ILCS 5/602.5, routine decisions include choices about the child's daily needs and schedule.

This means you likely cannot prevent an introduction because you dislike the new relationship or believe your ex moved on too quickly. During your ex's parenting time, they have control over decisions involving the children.

However, both parents must follow the terms of their current parenting order. If the order places restrictions on contact with certain people, those rules remain in effect until the court changes them.

Can a New Partner Affect Parenting Time in Illinois?

A new partner can affect parenting time when that person's presence raises concerns about the child's welfare. The courts will consider the child's relationships with other people in the household and any history of abuse or threats of violence.

Concerns that could require closer review include:

• Violence or threats involving the child or someone in the household
• Abuse involving the child
• A new partner who is a convicted sex offender
• Conduct that seriously threatens the child's physical or emotional health

The court does not restrict parenting time simply because a parent has started a new relationship. There must be a concern tied to the child's well-being.

Can an Illinois Court Keep a New Partner Away From My Child?

According to 750 ILCS 5/603.10, an Illinois court can restrict a specific person's presence during parenting time if the court finds that a parent's conduct seriously endangered the child's mental, moral, or physical health or significantly impaired the child's emotional development. Restrictions can also include supervised parenting time or rules about where parenting time takes place.

A parent seeking these protections needs evidence of a serious concern. Personal objections to the new relationship are not enough to support this type of court order.

What Should I Do if I Am Concerned About My Ex's New Partner in Illinois?

Start by reviewing your parenting plan and court orders. Check whether they already include rules about who can be around the children during parenting time.

If you believe the new partner poses a risk, keep records related to the problem. Depending on the situation, useful records could include:

• Text messages or emails discussing the concerning conduct
• Police reports or court records connected to the new partner
• Records of incidents that affected your child
• Communications showing that you raised the concern with your co-parent

Do not withhold parenting time simply because you object to the new relationship. Your existing parenting order remains in effect until the court changes it. If you believe your child faces a serious risk, a family law attorney can explain the legal options available to address the situation.

Contact an Oswego, IL Family Law Attorney

Concerns about an ex's new partner can become more serious when they affect your child's safety or well-being. Knowing what your parenting order allows can help you decide how to approach the problem without creating a separate parenting-time dispute.

At Loire Krajniak Law, LLC, we can review your parenting order and help you address concerns involving someone who spends time with your child. Contact our Geneva, IL parenting time lawyer or call 630-448-2406 today for a free consultation.