Dating During Divorce

Every ending is a new beginning, right? But when you are in the middle of a divorce proceeding, how soon is too soon to start exploring “new beginnings”? That is a great question that begs other thorny questions like: “How might dating hinder my divorce?” and “What will my kids think?” The short answer is, it depends. Although dating during divorce can foster jealousy in your soon- to-be-former spouse, they cannot control when and whom you can date, and vice-versa. That is your choice. However, Chandler divorce attorneys recommend using discretion when dating. The wrong person can negatively impact your legal proceedings. For example, if your new love interest has a checkered past or engages in unsavory behavior during the proceedings, those facts may be brought into the proceedings. Additionally, if the new love interest does not respect boundaries or inserts themselves into contentious issues, their involvement can hamper the resolution of those issues.

Financial support from a new love interest can also impact your “need” for spousal maintenance. Thus, it is best to keep all finances separate. If you are mindful of these potential issues, however, then dating is unlikely to hinder your divorce. When it comes to your children, the situations and answers are nuanced. Each child is different and will have their way of coping with new characters. It is important that you let them cope, take things slow, and give them any tools they may need to adjust. Above all, respect your children’s feelings and do not prioritize your new relationship over your children. Divorce is an emotional roller coaster. If you have the opportunity to date someone new and there is a chance you might find some happiness in the process, then why not take the chance? It might just be your bright new beginning.