Can I Date During a Divorce?

While divorce can be one of the most difficult seasons of life, it’s also an opportunity for change and growth. New opportunities likely await you in several aspects of your life. For some spouses, this means new relationships. Since divorces can take months or more to finalize, it’s common for new relationships to develop during this time.

These relationships can be tricky to navigate from a divorce perspective. On the one hand, you are ready to move on and start building a new life. On the other hand, you still want to be careful until your divorce is finalized. The good news is that dating during the divorce process isn’t necessarily off the table. However, consulting with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney about all of your divorce questions, including dating, is in your best interest before taking any action.

The Downsides of Dating During a Pending Divorce

Maybe you’ve already had your eye on someone, or a new person just entered your life. Either way, it’s crucial to understand and consider how dating at this time could negatively impact your legal split. For instance:

• Amicability: Dating could change the tone of your relationship with your spouse and your divorce. If it was previously amicable, it might sour, especially if they suspected adultery.
• Alimony: If you date someone, especially if you move in with them, the court could decide that you don’t need alimony (known as spousal support).
• Parenting: Whether it does or not, dating at this stage is often perceived as a challenge to your parenting role. While it may be unfair, if the court sees your new relationship as a hint of bad parenting, it could impact your long-term parenting arrangements.

If you are considering pursuing a romantic interest before your divorce is legally finalized, talk to your Illinois divorce lawyer before making any decisions. Taking the time to consider the situation from all angles will help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family. 

Why Wait on Dating?

These reasons, especially with no guarantees that they will be downsides, may not be enough to convince you not to date. While the decision is ultimately yours, there are a few other points to keep in mind. 

Divorce is a stressful time. You are navigating a new normal and a new way of life. It may feel exhilarating and refreshing to enter into a new relationship at this time, especially if you’ve been waiting to get out of your marriage. However, a pending divorce can be a difficult environment for a new relationship to grow in. You don’t want to get into a new relationship motivated by the bitterness or hurt resulting from your marriage ending. Your Illinois divorce attorney can’t and won’t make these decisions for you. Still, they can be an excellent sounding board and provide emotional support. 

Questions about Divorce? Speak with a Seasoned Illinois Divorce Attorney

The divorce process and all the emotions and complexities it brings can be overwhelming and confusing. Instead of trying to manage all of this by yourself, hire a seasoned Illinois divorce lawyer from the Goodman Law Firm to help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office and learn more about our services.