Marriage can be a difficult path to navigate and some spouses are ultimately better off going their separate ways. When a couple decides to divorce there are number of matters that must be sorted out. For couples with minor-aged children, matters related to child custody often trigger strong emotions and can quickly turn contentious.
A parent who files for sole custody of a child often does so in response to concerns over the other parent’s parenting skills or lifestyle. In some cases, however, a parent may revisit their decision to file for sole custody and come to realize that a joint custody agreement is ultimately in the child’s best interest.
Television personality Bethenny Frankel and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jason Hoppy, are currently embroiled in a bitter custody battle over the couple’s 3-year-old daughter. Despite their quarrelling and impending divorce, the couple continues to live with their daughter under the same roof.
The relationship between the warring parents, however, is likely even more strained after recent photographs surfaced showing Frankel with an apparent new love interest. Sources revealed the identity of Frankel’s new boyfriend and his details related to his past have reportedly spurred Hoppy to seek legal advice.
Back in 2000, Frankel’s new boyfriend was accused of raping a woman while attending college. While no formal criminal charges were ever filed in the case, he was expelled from school. This revelation has angered Hoppy who does not want Frankel’s new love around his daughter. Hoppy’s previous request for an order prohibiting Frankel from allowing her boyfriends to be around the 3-year-old girl was denied.
Hoppy initially filed for sole custody of the couple’s daughter, but has since pursued a joint custody agreement. Frankel, however, is still unconvinced that a joint custody agreement is in the 3-year-old’s best interest and is continuing to seek sole custody.
This case proves how complex and contentious matters related to child custody can became, particularly when a third party becomes involved. To ensure a situation does not escalate, Dallas-area parents who have questions or concerns about a child custody matter would be wise to seek the advice and assistance of a divorce attorney.
Source: The Christian Post, “Bethenny Frankel Divorce: Jason Hoppy Wants Rumored Boyfriend to Stay Away From Bryn? Benge Nsenduluka, Jan. 8, 2014