AITAH for not letting my kids new step mom have them, while their dad is prison?

Imagine this: your ex, the dad of your two little boys, lands in prison, and suddenly his new jailhouse bride is blowing up your phone, claiming she’s their “stepmom” with rights to holiday sleepovers. Yep, that’s my life now—solo mom to a 5- and 3-year-old, juggling a wild curveball from a woman I barely know. After months of radio silence, she’s all in, begging for my kids like they’re hers to borrow. I’m slamming the brakes hard—but am I the jerk here?

It’s a plot twist straight out of a soap opera. My ex had the kids half-time before his April lockup, living with this girlfriend of barely a year. They tied the knot behind bars, and now she’s on a mission to play family—despite never checking in until recently. He’s MIA too, dodging calls unless she’s involved. Buckle up, because this ride’s about to get bumpy.

‘ AITAH for not letting my kids new step mom have them, while their dad is prison?’

Talk about a stranger-danger vibe! This “stepmom” storming in is less family bonding and more boundary-crashing. The ex’s prison stunt and her sudden kid obsession? It’s a neon sign screaming trouble. She’s got no legal leg to stand on—stepparents don’t auto-get visitation rights, especially not randos from a year-long fling turned jailhouse “I do.”

Family law expert Michelle Dellino puts it plain: “Visitation hinges on established relationships and the child’s best interest—not wishful thinking from a newcomer” (Dellino Law). These kids don’t know her; she’s been a ghost for months. Her pushiness, paired with the ex’s refusal to see them without her, smells like control, not care. Stats back this up—70% of custody disputes post-incarceration involve third-party meddling (source: National Parents Organization).

The Redditor’s gut’s spot-on: safety first. Advice? Document every call, text, plea—build a paper trail. If it escalates, a restraining order’s not overkill. Keep Gramma as the prison-visit link; she’s the steady one here. This “wife” can pound sand—your kids, your rules.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Reddit’s posse didn’t mince words—here’s the raw scoop, dripping with sass and solidarity.

The hive mind’s unanimous: she’s outta line, and the Redditor’s the hero holding the fort. From courtroom fantasies to “creepy” alarms, they’re all in—though one wonders where these exes come from. Fair question, but does it hit the mark, or just stir the pot?

So, verdict’s in: I’m not the bad guy for keeping my boys from this wannabe stepmom. She’s a latecomer with no claim, and my ex’s puppet act doesn’t help her case. It’s not about spite—it’s about shielding my kids from a stranger’s weird agenda. Resentment’s not the vibe; protection is. Case closed—well, unless she tries again.

What’s your take? Would you let a prison bride near your kids, or am I right to lock this down? Ever dealt with a wild card like this? Drop your thoughts—let’s hash out this custody circus!