Can I Date During the Divorce Process?
The divorce process can take a long time. Many people wonder what would happen if they were to meet someone else and begin dating during this timeframe. Should you date someone or should you wait until your divorce is finalized? Are you even really allowed to date someone else? Our Morristown, New Jersey divorce attorneys can answer your questions and tell you more about how your decisions here can influence the divorce process.
Will It Look Bad to Date During the Divorce Process?
You are an adult and you are free to do what you want. While it makes sense that you would be allowed to date during the divorce process, the unfortunate reality is that it can look bad. If you are engaged in a contentious divorce, it’s the exact kind of ammunition your spouse and their attorney would love to use against you.
This can make child custody and visitation agreements particularly difficult. If you are dating and your spouse has a problem with it, they can try to limit your time with your children by arguing that you are bringing “strangers” into the home and making them unsafe.
If your divorce stays relatively civil, deciding to date someone else during the process might not be such an issue. You and your spouse might even be able to come to an agreement about how you will handle this kind of thing during the divorce and afterward, and that can be a good first step towards a healthier co-parenting relationship.
Can I Date Someone If I’m Accused of Adultery?
If you are working through a no-fault divorce, going on a date or starting a relationship may not be that big of a deal. You and your spouse have agreed that you have irreconcilable differences and that your relationship is done. However, if your spouse has filed a fault-based divorce, specifically one where you are accused of adultery, the decision to date is not going to be a simple one.
Your spouse can try to use this new relationship against you, accusing you of starting it while you were still married. This can be tough to prove, but it can still make you look worse. What we see again is that you are allowed to date while you divorce, but the optics can be a major problem.
How Else Can Dating Affect the Divorce Process?
Dating while you divorce can also complicate the property division process. You have to be careful about how much you spend so that it does not seem like you are frittering away assets. You also cannot reveal protected information to the person you date. Making mistakes like these can prolong the divorce process and make life more stressful.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have any questions about the divorce process and how to protect yourself and your assets, contact Lazor Rantas, PC. We can advise you on the smart moves to make and which actions to avoid. Then we can help you fight for a fair divorce settlement.