Navigating a divorce can be a difficult, lonely period for anyone. It puts a strain on your relationships with your family and friends. It can also keep you from enjoying the things you normally love doing.
It’s understandable to seek comfort in the affection of another person when it seems like nothing else is going your way. However, there are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about dating at this time.
Consider your circumstances
It’s not illegal to date other people during the divorce process. However, you must remember that you are still legally married until you and your spouse finalize the divorce. Therefore, dating another person could potentially lead to complicated issues, including:
- Cheating accusations: Your spouse could accuse you of infidelity if you enter a relationship with another person during divorce proceedings. In some cases, this could impact aspects of your divorce proceedings. It could also strain your relationships, particularly with your kids, who may already be struggling to process the divorce.
- Allegations of wasteful dissipation: This means that one spouse misuses shared martial property and finances. If you date other people during a divorce and spend money on gifts or outings with them, an ex-spouse could claim this as wasteful dissipation if it affects the marital assets. Such accusations could impact the division of property and even alimony payments.
While it’s not against the law to date during a divorce, these matters are worth considering because they can affect your future.
It is natural to seek comfort in a new romantic partner, but keep in mind that romance is not the only kind of love out there. You can find love and warmth in your children, in your family, in your friends, and in your community even during the stressful time of a divorce.