Dating & Divorce: Do Or Don’t?

When you’re in the midst of a divorce, it can feel like walking on eggshells. The delicate balance of preserving the peace while also fighting for what you want is difficult and many adults find themselves looking for an outlet to relieve this tension. Enter: dating. Pursuing an emotional connection on the side is harmless, right?

Unfortunately, dating in the midst of a divorce often only makes things more complicated. Most attorneys, ourselves included, encourage clients to wait until the final paperwork has been signed to move on romantically. The potential consequences just aren’t worth the risk.

Why is dating in the midst of a divorce discouraged?

First and foremost, dating can affect divorce grounds. You are still legally married until your divorce is final, so forming an intimate relationship with someone else is adultery. If your spouse calls you out on marital misconduct, this can impact property division and alimony claims.

In a similar vein, dating can also work against you in settlement negotiations. Your spouse may feel bitter about your willingness to move on and fight you tooth and nail during settlement negotiations. It is always best to keep the peace as much as possible throughout your divorce.

The involvement of children presents an additional concern. If you are working through custody and visitation matters, the fact that you’re dating can work against you in court. Dating can show that you don’t have the best interests of your children in mind and result in a less-than-satisfactory custody arrangement.

The level of scrutiny you are under during a divorce is high. It is crucial that you remain on your best behavior and making an early decision to date can only hurt you in the end. If you have questions about dating and divorce, it is best to consult with an attorney. Our firm can guide you in the right direction and ensure that your desires aren’t sacrificed along the way.

Contact Peter L. Cedeño Associates, P.C. today to speak personally with our New York City divorce lawyer.