Does Dating During a Divorce Have an Impact?

Once you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have decided it is over, it  can be  sad, yes, but it can also feel like an incredible weight  has been lifted . Leading up to a divorce, things are often not in a happy place. When the marriage is finally over, you might be excited to get out there and meet new people, but dating before the divorce  is finalized   can be  a risky business.

If the courts discover you are dating before a divorce is official, it can have a few serious side effects on the proceedings. One of the biggest worries  is being suspected  of marital misconduct. If you are in a new relationship, it can look and a lot like that relationship could have started before the divorce and even in no-fault states that can affect  the division of  property and spousal support.

Furthermore, when your ex-spouse sees you dating, it causes conflict even if you are no longer in love. No one wants to see their ex-doing better than them, and this can make coming to a calm and fair decision near impossible. Even worse, it can make child custody a real issue since the courts may decide a child would be less comfortable in a home with a new relationship or their child themselves may see you dating and decide they would prefer to live with their other parent.

While no one can tell you when you can date, if you are starting a new relationship during a divorce, it is in your best interest to keep it low-key until the divorce is over. If you are going through a divorce and  are concerned  about seeing someone new, contact us today to get our expert advice on the matter.