Does Going through a Divorce affect Your Ability to Date?

Some people can’t imagine dating again after the pain of going through a divorce. They are too emotionally exhausted to want to start again with someone new. Other people are ready to date almost as soon as the ink is dry.

Divorce doesn’t always happen quickly, so there is a good chance that you may even be ready to start dating before the final papers are signed. But you may want to think twice about that as dating can affect your divorce process. You’ll need to talk with your divorce lawyer in Mesa to learn how dating could affect your case specifically, but here are some possibilities:

Child Custody

Emotions get high when it comes to child custody through the Valley. If your ex sees you already moving on and spending a lot of time with your new love interest, that might come up in child custody talks. Your ex could allege that you are spending more time with your new boyfriend or girlfriend, or that you are spending more time going out on multiple dates with multiple people, than you are with your own children. That information could be used to argue that you shouldn’t have as much visitation time with the children.

You’ll need to tread carefully. Unless you are making a log of the time you do everything – which is ridiculous – it’s going to be hard to prove that you aren’t spending too much time on your dating life. It’s easier just to focus on your children and your Mesa divorce proceedings until everything is settled.

Division of Assets

You’re going to be spending money when you’re dating. If you start to get serious about someone, you may start going on trips together, buying each other expensive gifts, and so on. You may even help your new loved one out with finances, such as paying for an unexpected car repair.

If you do any of these things, you can be accused of spending marital assets on another person. After all, your assets have not yet been divided. Anything you are spending is still considered marital property. You could end up losing some of your share of assets if your spouse argues that you are spending assets on someone outside the marriage and the judge accepts that argument.

Spousal Support

Some people are entitled to spousal support, or alimony, both during separation and after the divorce. The idea is that you need the financial support to maintain your lifestyle until you can get back on your feet or until you are remarried. Well, if you are dating someone and you move in together, it’s going to be hard to argue that you still need such assistance. You will now be living with another person who is responsible for such help.

If you can’t put off dating until your divorce is final, at least put off moving in with someone.

Emotional Fallout

Dating can also stir up a lot of emotions that can make your divorce messier. Primarily, dating can stir up emotions in your spouse that make your divorce messier. Even though your spouse may be in agreement about the divorce, seeing you with someone new – especially seeing you be happy and accommodating with someone new – can stir up feelings of jealousy, bitterness, resentment, anger, and sadness. That might make your spouse act out of spite to try to hurt you, which could delay the Mesa divorce proceedings or result in you getting less.

Don’t poke the bear. Just keep the peace and make your life a lot simpler by waiting until your divorce is final to date.

If you are dating before your divorce is over, you’re going to need the help of a good divorce lawyer to keep your divorce on track and to help you get the best settlement you can. Call My AZ Lawyers. We represent clients in the Phoenix area, as well as in Mesa, Glendale, and Tucson. Our attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you get the best resolution for your divorce as quickly as possible. We handle the division of assets, child custody, child support, spousal support, and more. Call us today to talk with a divorce attorney about your case.

My AZ Lawyers
Mesa Location:
1731 West Baseline Rd., Suite #100
Mesa, AZ 85202
Office: (480) 448-9800

Glendale Location:
20325 N 51st Avenue Suite #134, Building 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
Office: (602) 509-0955

Tucson Location:
2 East Congress St., Suite #900-6A
Tucson, AZ 85701
Office: (520) 441-1450

Avondale Location:
12725 W. Indian School Rd., Ste E, #101
Avondale, AZ 8539