Camilla Fusco outlines the legal implications for new relationships after a divorce
The latest figures published by the Office of National Statistics (in December 2012) estimate that 42% of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce. Many of those whose marriages have ended form relationships with new partners which may well lead to cohabitation. The percentage of all UK households comprising a couple living together rose from 14% to 17% in the 10 years to 2011 while the percentage of households made up of married couples fell from 70% to 65% over the same period. This article focuses on some of the potential legal implications arising from new relationships after divorce.
Introducing a new partner
When or even whether a new partner should be introduced to their children can sometimes be a contentious issue between separated parents. Organisations such as Gingerbread, Relate and the Parent Connection all offer useful guidance. The Parenting after Parting workshops (PAPs) organised throughout the country by Cafcass and Resolution offer a specialist programme for separated parents to learn how children of different ages typically react to separation.
