It can take some time before your divorcing process finalizes, while you and your spouse divide assets and plan child custody. During this waiting period, you may have unexpectedly found someone you’re interested in starting a relationship with or even just want to know a bit more personally. You may be hesitant to start this new relationship because your divorce is still pending.
While there shouldn’t be much trouble dating after your divorce, dating during a divorce could cost you greatly, putting stress on the divorce. Even having one-on-one time with someone, platonic or otherwise, may be considered too risky in some legal minds.
Here’s what you should know:
Establishing an affair or a new relationship
Having someone frequently come around your spouse or children may cause mixed signals during a divorce. There’s a fine line between an affair and a new relationship, but your soon-to-be ex, after finding out you’re dating again, may not see that.
It can be near impossible to explain that the person you’re having a new relationship with started during the divorce process – especially if you’re in a relationship with an old friend, colleague or someone you and your spouse mutually know.
Starting a new relationship so soon may put tension on your divorce if your spouse feels they need to wage a legal war, delaying the divorce and costing you many legal fees. It is often believed, under legal guidance, that dating is best done after a divorce has been finalized.
The do’s and don’ts of dating during a divorce
You shouldn’t have to feel restricted from doing everything because your divorce is still pending. You may need to your limitations:
- Don’t date until your divorce is finalized, otherwise, a judge may decide you were the cause of the failed marriage.
- Don’t impregnate someone during a divorce, otherwise, the divorce process may be prolonged.
- Do socialize in groups, but avoid pairing off with someone
- Do discuss your marital situation with anyone seeking a relationship with you
It’s only realistic to believe that when one relationship ends, another one can begin, but dating during a divorce can cause negative implications. You may need to reach out for legal help if your soon-to-be ex presents evidence that you’ve been dating during the divorce process.