Can dating during divorce affect my case?
When a married couple determines that there are irreconcilable differences between them, they may decide to go their separate ways. Especially if there are children involved, spouses in such situations will want to take their time to negotiate a fair settlement. The thing is, however, that while you are working out terms of agreement for child custody, property division and other important issues, you might also want to start dating before your divorce becomes official.
You might wonder whether dating during your divorce will have an impact on your case in any way. The answer is that it might, but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are several things to keep in mind, which may help you make informed and careful decisions.
It is not unlawful to date during your divorce
In a no-fault divorce, your ex cannot use the fact that you are dating someone to claim that you have committed adultery and that you are at fault. There are no laws against dating during proceedings in a no-fault divorce.
Your new relationship might indirectly affect your settlement
If your ex is the type of person who might get jealous upon learning that you are dating someone, this could indirectly affect your settlement negotiations. Most spouses want to avoid litigation, if possible, when they divorce. Some spouses might become less cooperative when negotiating terms of agreement because they are jealous or angry about their ex’s dating relationship.
If you think that your ex might fall into this category, it might be better to hold off on dating until you have finalized your divorce. When your primary goal is to achieve a settlement in as swift and amicable a fashion as possible, avoiding situations that might spur jealousy or anger is always a good idea.
Divorce can have a significant impact on children
As you navigate divorce proceedings, your children’s well-being is no doubt a top priority. You know what is best for them, so it is up to you to determine whether dating before finalizing your divorce would have a negative effect on their ability to cope with the changes that are occurring in their lives.
If you do decide to date, there may be terms of agreement in your child custody plan that are relevant. For instance, you and your ex might have incorporated terms that state that if either of you starts to date, the other parent must meet the new partner before the children do.
Always ask questions if you are unclear about the laws
The better understanding you have of divorce laws, child custody guidelines and other issues regarding divorce, the easier it can be to avoid stress and legal complications that could delay proceedings. If you are unsure about a specific law or issue, it is always best to reach out for additional support from someone who can provide answers.