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Is It a Good Idea to Date during Divorce?

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Now that you and your spouse have decided to file for divorce, you might feel like it’s the right time to get back into the world of dating. Not only can divorce be emotionally overwhelming, it can be a lonely process as well.

However, a rebound relationship can be a bad idea for several reasons related to your divorce. There can be serious legal consequences if you start seeing other people before your divorce is finalized, especially if you are engaged in a hotly contested dispute with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse about certain divorce issues such as alimony, child custody, or even property division.

Dating Can Be Seen as Adultery

Until your divorce is final, entering a new relationship during the process can be viewed as adultery. Although Texas is a “no-fault” divorce state, state judges consider this type of misconduct to be factored when deciding divorce issues, such as alimony and property division. For example, a new relationship can affect the amount the dating spouse may receive in assets if he/she starts living with a new partner. If a dating spouse is not living with the new partner, any money spent on the new relationship (i.e. extravagant dinners, gifts, and even vacations) could be a factor in dividing property.

Dating Can Affect Custody

Divorce is already emotionally straining enough, especially for your kids. Introducing a new partner to make it harder for your children to cope and adjust to their new lives. Even though the courts do not consider the wishes of minor children to determine custody terms, an older child’s preference may be taken into consideration, especially if the new partner making the home atmosphere uncomfortable.

Dating Can Anger Your Spouse

Rather than a civil, no-fault divorce, you could become embroiled in a nasty dispute with your spouse. This could prolong the litigation process, which means more money coming out of your pocket to pay for court and attorney fees.

Dating during Divorce May Not Be Fair to Your New Partner

While it may feel wonderful to experience the excitement of a new relationship, are you really ready for this? Divorce can make people quite vulnerable, leaving them in a state of uncertainty, which is not a solid foundation for a new relationship to blossom. Before you start dating again, ask yourself if you are ready to emotionally invest in someone else.

However, if you still want to date, first consult with our McKinney divorce attorney at Camille Borg Law PLLC and schedule a consultation today. Depending on the circumstances, we can advise you whether a new relationship is appropriate or if it should wait until the divorce is final.

For more information, contact our firm today.

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