Dating Considerations When Going Through a Divorce

As your marriage comes to an end, it’s understandable that you’re going to want to get on with your life, and perhaps start seeing other people. However, it’s also important to understand that beginning to date before your divorce is finalized could affect a variety of things, including your family relationships and your divorce settlement itself.

First, you need to consider the impact that beginning to date could have on your children, especially if custody is already a point of contention between you and your spouse. Your spouse will probably try to prove to the court that you are already dating, which might lead the court to think you’re only looking out for your interests and not those of your children.  Your children will also likely not take it very well, which could influence the custody decisions that your judge makes.

A new boyfriend or girlfriend could also affect your settlement negotiations. Your spouse might be less likely to cooperate or compromise during negotiations, which could make the entire divorce process more stressful and, ultimately, more expensive.

Finally, because people in New York can still seek fault-based divorces, your divorce grounds could also be affected. If you get into a relationship before your divorce is finalized, your spouse could argue it to be adultery.

If you do decide to get into a new relationship before your divorce is finalized, it is extremely important to exercise discretion. Do not introduce the new significant other to your children before the divorce is finalized, and certainly do not go places together where you could run into your spouse or people your spouse knows. You should also seek approval from your lawyer just to be sure you are not complicating your divorce.

For more information on dating and divorce, consult the knowledgeable attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in Long Island.