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Is it okay to date during a divorce?

Jun 16, 2021 | Divorce

During a divorce, the last thing some people want to do is start a new relationship. However, others are ready to find new connections and focus on the future.

If you are thinking of dating during your divorce, there are a few things you should consider in terms of how it might affect your experience.

How it can affect finances

Expect your finances to be under a microscope during a divorce. Your spending habits, living expenses and liabilities can all be scrutinized for the purposes of dividing marital property and determining financial support. 

If you spend a lot of money on new partners, travel to see them or pay for them to come to see you, your ex may take issue with that and demand more money than they would otherwise. 

Further, dating before a divorce is final could also make your ex less willing to negotiate. Thus, you could wind up in a contentious court battle, costing even more money.

How it can affect your children

Seeing their parents divorce can be hard enough for children as it is. And while eventually, they may be ready to see their mom or dad with someone else, dating before the divorce is even finalized can be painful for children. Consider this carefully before dating, as the toll it takes on your children could be far more significant than you expect.

Of course, there are exceptions. If a parent was toxic, abusive or absent during the marriage, it could be easier for children to support the other parent’s pursuit of happiness.

How it can affect the process

In Texas, dating while you are still married could be adultery. If this is the reason for filing for a divorce, adultery could adversely affect you in terms of property division and spousal support. Further, it could mean you go through a fault-based divorce.

However, if you are casually dating or filing a no-fault divorce, dating could still impact the legal process. For instance, an ex who is upset that you are dating may be less willing to negotiate or give you what you want. And your parenting rights could be at risk if you are engaging in unsafe behaviors or if a new partner poses a threat to your child’s well-being.

Taking these factors into account before dating can be crucial for anyone hoping to minimize expensive, messy complications during a divorce.