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Can I Date During Divorce?

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Divorce can be a frustrating, sad, and even lonely process. Sometimes, people going through divorce long to feel desirable again and wish to meet someone new or have fun.

While there is no law against dating during divorce proceedings, there are both legal and emotional reasons why you should wait until your divorce is final.

The following are several reasons why you should avoid dating during the divorce process:

  • Dating can result in a heated dispute – If your spouse discovers that you are dating someone new, he/she could feel jealous and betrayed. An angry spouse can turn an amicable settlement into a hotly contested divorce process, making the proceedings more costly and time-consuming.
  • Dating can affect property division – If your spouse suspects the relationship started as an affair, he/she could subpoena your new partner to testify in court. If any of the marital funds are spent on dating this person, your spouse could obtain a more favorable divorce settlement.
  • Dating can affect spousal supportIf you plan on moving in with your new partner, understand that cohabitation can affect how you receive or attempt to receive alimony during a divorce. If your spouse finds out you are living with your boyfriend or girlfriend, the court could modify or reduce alimony.
  • Dating can affect your children – Divorce is tough on everyone, especially the children. The permanent separation of the family unit can be devastating, which is why they need your love and attention more than ever before. New relationships take a substantial amount of time, which means less time spent with your kids. To ensure they successfully transition into their new lives after divorce, you need to be there for them every step of the way.
  • You are not emotionally ready to date – While starting a new relationship can make you forget about your pain; you are not truly yourself. You still need to deal with your emotions and heal in order to move on from your marriage. If the new relationship suddenly ends, you may find yourself having to deal with more issues.

If you are interested in filing for a divorce in Dayton, contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today and schedule a free case evaluation today.

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