Why Should I Wait Until My Divorce is Final to Start Dating Again?

There are few things more complicated in life than going through a divorce. Though at times, divorces can be amicable and both spouses can agree on the terms of their divorce without much difficulty, there are other times where divorce is far more complex. If you find yourself in a situation where you are going through the divorce process and you and your spouse consider yourselves separated, you may be inclined to begin a romantic relationship with a new person. Sometimes, opportunities for such relationships present themselves out of the blue; it does not mean that an individual is actively looking for another partner, and if the couple is already separated, it may not feel as though you are “cheating” by beginning a new relationship. But should you? Continue reading and speak with our New Jersey family law attorneys to learn more.

Is it okay to start dating if my spouse and I have separated, though our divorce is not official?

In most cases, the answer is no. Starting a relationship while your divorce is still in progress is almost always a bad idea, and for several reasons. The main reason is that while you may not consider it “cheating,” your former spouse can allege to the court that you began this relationship during your marriage, which can complicate your divorce significantly. You can deny these allegations, but it will most likely draw out the length of your divorce, ultimately costing you time and money on an issue that will, more than likely, not affect the outcome of the divorce proceedings in the long run.

This is why it is always best to avoid beginning a new romantic relationship until your divorce is finalized. If you have begun a relationship before your divorce is finalized, you should understand that anything you post on social media can, and most likely will, be used against you in a courtroom setting. For this reason, even if you are not in a new relationship, it is always best to stay off of social media until your divorce is finalized. Badmouthing your spouse, talking about your divorce, posting pictures of vacations or expensive purchases, and more can all drastically impact the outcome of your divorce.

Simply put, if you can, put off the new relationship and stay away from social media until your divorce is finalized.

Contact our experienced New Jersey firm

We understand how confusing certain legal issues can be, which is why we are dedicated to providing individuals with the compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation they deserve. Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman has helped clients with various difficult legal challenges for over 40 years. We know we have the experience needed to do the same for you. For experienced legal counsel regarding family law, litigation, business law, real estate, and criminal law, you know where to turn–contact Aronsohn, Weiner, Salerno & Kaufman today to schedule a consultation.