Dating During Divorce – Is it a Good Idea?

If you recently filed for a divorce from your spouse, or he or she initiated a divorce, you probably think now is the right time to get back on the horse and re-enter the dating scene for a fresh romantic start. However, doing so can actually have a negative impact on your ability to secure a favorable divorce settlement. Therefore, while it might be tempting to find someone new at a time when you are likely to be feeling rather lonely or distraught over this major change in your life, it is in your best interest that you hold off until your divorce is finalized.

Below are some reasons why you should refrain from dating during the course of your divorce:

• It can negatively impact your chances of being able to negotiate a settlement with your spouse: It will not matter if your spouse initiated the divorce or if the decision was mutual; your spouse will likely still feel rather angry, bitter, or jealous once he or she sees that you have someone new in your life. As a result, you might expect negotiations to go sour if you are trying to resolve your issues through an alternative method like mediation or collaborative divorce, resulting in what could turn out to be a longer and far more contentious process than it could have been had you not decided to date.

• It can negatively impact the amount of spousal support you receive: If you end up moving too fast with your new partner and end up living together before your divorce is even finalized, your ability to receive spousal support will likely be thrown out the window. The last thing you want to do is potentially risk your chances to receive much-needed support for a rebound relationship that might not last.

• It can negatively impact your parenting arrangement: When the time comes to hash out a parenting plan, your spouse might view a new partner in your life as a threat to his or her relationship with the kids, thinking that this new person is a replacement. Of course, this will make him or her far less inclined to give up any time with the kids. Additionally, if your partner has a questionable background, this could also affect your ability to obtain the custody arrangement that you want if the court believes your new relationship does not support the best interests of the children.

• It can negatively impact your children: Divorce is a lot for most people to handle, especially when children are involved. Your time will be consumed by court dates or mediation sessions, in addition to all the other responsibilities you already have, such as your job. You will also need to spare some extra time for your children to ensure that they are coping with the situation well enough. If you are also spending time on dating or on a new, serious relationship, chances are you are not going to have enough time for everything and your children might not get the attention they deserve. Your kids will notice this and it could potentially cause a rift in your relationship with them. Ask yourself if dating during the process of your divorce is so important that you are willing to compromise your relationship with your children by not giving them the time they need to adjust to this new situation.

• It can distract you from your own emotional issues: Just as your children will need some extra time from you to make sure they are able to handle the hardships of the divorce, you also need some time for yourself. Divorce is hard and you are going to need to reflect on what went wrong before you can move onto something new. Otherwise, you could end up making the same mistakes again in a new romance. If you really want a new and lasting relationship, take the time to become your best self again and fully heal from your wounds. You might be able to hide your pain behind a new relationship for a while, but you will eventually have to face the realities of your situation.

Divorce Attorney in Fort Worth

If you and your spouse are going through a divorce, now is the time to seek skilled legal representation to ensure the process goes smoothly and your interests are protected. At The Clark Law Firm, our Forth Worth team of divorce attorneys is dedicated to assisting clients navigate the divorce process no matter how complex their case may be. You should not have to go through this experience on your own.

Get started on your case today and reach out to our law firm at (817) 435-4970 to request a complimentary initial case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable and compassionate divorce attorneys.