Judges can consider cohabitation as a factor when deciding on custody arrangements, as it can affect the stability and well-being of the child's living environment. However, judges typically will not deny custody solely based on living with a new partner.

Can living with a girlfriend affect custody?

Typically, living with a new girlfriend or new boyfriend does not cause a parent to lose custody by itself. However, courts consider how each parent's living situation affects the child and may not award custody to a parent if living with their partner puts the child at risk.

Does living with someone affect custody?

The way each parent lives can be an important factor when a court decides custody issues. In any given case, the judge may consider one person's lifestyle to be more in the best interest of the child than the other's. In a few states, a judge can use a parent's cohabitation to deny custody.