Restriction on Introducing New Partner is Ordered by the Court

In Offrey v Offrey, 2026 ABKB 335, Justice Mandziuk addressed the precise language for a clause in the final parenting order that would govern when and how the couple’s two children, aged seven and nine, could be introduced to a parent’s new romantic partner. Both parents agreed such a provision was necessary but each proposed different draft wording.

Justice Mandziuk refused the father’s proposal to make any introduction dependent on the parenting coordinator’s recommendations. He observed that a parenting coordinator typically serves a mediative or arbitral role in high-conflict cases. Although the parties had agreed to retain a coordinator for one year, their level of dispute did not justify the additional expense of a quasi-judicial determination by that coordinator as to the children’s best interests.

Turning to the children’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being, Justice Mandziuk did conclude it was appropriate—and in the children’s best interests—to require the introducing parent to obtain the views of any psychologist who was already treating either child.

He also endorsed stipulations that the parent’s relationship with the new partner must have lasted at least six months before any meeting with the children, and that the new partner must first meet the other parent. Nothing before the court suggested that a longer, nine-month waiting period would offer greater benefits.

Overall, Justice Mandziuk adopted the version of the clause imposing fewer constraints—thereby reducing potential conflict—while underscoring that, although they share parenting responsibilities, the parties do not share their personal lives.

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