While it's not illegal to date before a divorce is finalized, it's important to be aware of potential legal complications that may arise. If you live in a no-fault state of divorce, dating someone before the divorce is final may not hurt your side (or give you a significant advantage if your ex is the one in a new relationship). But in other states, it may have a lot more weight in the courts. In some states, adultery is still considered grounds for divorce and can be used as evidence in certain cases.
While you decide when and if you start dating again, you must understand the potential consequences of dating before your divorce is final. Taking extra time for clarity and complete healing may be better for your divorce and future romantic relationships. It's best to wait until your divorce is finalized before embarking on new relationships. Starting a new relationship during the divorce process can be a complex and emotionally charged decision.
Even if your children don't feel one way or another about their love life, they're still processing their divorce and feeling the instability of the situation. When spouses are unable to reach an agreement, this can extend the length of the divorce process from the typical three to eight months to one or two years, which also significantly increases legal costs and court fees. In addition to damaging your children's emotional well-being, dating during a divorce can also hinder your own resilience. If you live in the Shelby or Gastonia areas and need help managing your divorce, it's helpful to have an experienced and compassionate attorney on your side.
In many ways, dating someone new may seem like the solution to your stress, but it can have negative long-term consequences for your divorce settlement, your children, and your own healing capacity. But if dating someone before your divorce is final could hurt you, it's best to consider your options carefully before entering the dating world. A key to a quieter divorce is to remain civil with your spouse, and if they see that you're rushing into a new relationship, it's likely to lead to conflict. Even if everything is on the rise, the result is that dating during a divorce can add unnecessary aggravation and stress and can make your divorce more complicated and costly.
A family law attorney, such as ours at McKinley Irvin, can provide a complete overview of the divorce process, help you understand how dating can affect your proceedings, and guide you to the best course of action that fits your needs.
