Going through a divorce can be challenging, so it is understandable if you want to move on with your new life as soon as possible. You may want to start dating after you decide you want to end your marriage. While this sounds exciting, you may want to put a lid on your plans with your new significant other before your divorce is final. Your new relationship might complicate your divorce.
How can dating a new partner complicate an ongoing divorce?
Dating may complicate your divorce and add unnecessary drama to an already emotional situation. Your soon-to-be-ex may use your dating life against you in court. They may analyze how you spend your money. The other partner may accuse you of spending marital funds on your new partner. Additionally, your new relationship may affect child custody decisions.
It may be tempting to keep your romance very low-key while you are undergoing a divorce, but it may be a better idea to refrain from dating until the divorce is final. Spending money on your new partner or having your new partner around your children may be factors that the other party may use against you in divorce court.
Dating after the divorce is final is easier and less complicated
Dating should be much less of a problem after dividing your assets and reaching a custody agreement. You now have complete freedom to spend your portion of the marital assets. Unless certain exceptions apply, like your new partner is abusive towards your children or your divorce order has specific instructions about the matter, your ex-spouse will be unable to interfere with your new relationship.
Dating in the middle of an ongoing divorce may sound like a good idea if you wish to move on quickly, but it may be more trouble than it’s worth.