Many people consider whether it is acceptable to date during a divorce. Some need to connect with somebody they enjoy spending time with, but they often worry whether this will hurt or impact the divorce.
Is Dating During Divorce A Good Idea?
The textbook answer that almost any legal professional would give is that individuals should wait until after the divorce to begin dating. The concerns typically revolve around the fact that a new relationship could become an issue in the divorce.
For example, the new significant other could be subpoenaed as part of the divorce for various reasons, including financial issues and custody. It is also possible that even if the relationship began after the divorce was filed, the other side may not believe it. Instead, they may argue that this was an extra-marital affair that led to the divorce — even if that is not true.
If the new significant other is introduced to the children, this could also be potentially problematic. The other spouse may argue that this is harmful to the kids because the kids are still reeling from their parent’s divorce. Now, they are being introduced to a new significant other so soon. Those concerns may be enhanced if the significant other stays overnight when the children are there.
Many would also argue that an individual should be healed from the divorce before entering a new relationship. Otherwise, they may jump into a new relationship without overcoming the last one.
Is It Always A Bad Idea To Date During Divorce?
Hearing the above, many still wonder whether there is a window during which they can still begin dating. For many, a divorce results in a feeling of emptiness, especially when they do not have the children with them.
It can oftentimes take a long time to complete a divorce, too. It is not uncommon for some divorces to last many months or even longer than a year. Thus, waiting until the divorce is final may mean a long time.
Again, the safest answer is that a party should wait. However, if an individual is sure the marriage is over, is already separated, does not introduce a new significant other to the children while the divorce is pending, does not have overnight visitors while the children are there during the divorce, is discreet by not posting about it online and is only dating when they do not have the children, the risk is likely minimal. The risk can become even smaller if the other spouse is openly dating. After all, they cannot have a legitimate issue with it if they are dating themselves.
