Why You Should Consult Your Divorce Lawyer Before Dating Again

5 November 2020
 Categories: Law, Blog

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If you are in the middle of a divorce, you might be feeling a bit lonely, and you might be curious about whether or not there is someone special out there for you to spend some time with. It can be tempting to start dating as soon as possible when you are going through a divorce, but it's not always a good idea. You might not really think that it's necessary for you to talk to your divorce attorney about dating; instead, you might assume that you only need to talk to your divorce lawyer about your actual marriage. However, it is typically a good idea to consult your divorce attorney before you begin dating again for these reasons and more.

You May Technically Not Be Allowed to Date Right Now

Now that you and your spouse have decided that you are going to get a divorce, you might assume that you can start dating as soon as you want to. However, depending on the stage that you are at in your divorce — and depending on the laws in your state — it might actually be illegal for you to start dating right now. For example, in some states, a married couple is required to be separated for a certain period of time before they can get a divorce, but it might be considered adultery if you were to start dating during this time period. Your divorce lawyer should be familiar with the laws in your state and can help you determine whether or not you are allowed to begin dating at this point in your divorce. This can help you avoid breaking the law or putting your divorce in jeopardy.

Your Case Could Be Made More Complicated

Even if you aren't technically required to avoid dating at this point in your divorce, you should know that dating while going through a divorce can make everything more complicated. For example, if you start dating someone right away, your spouse might argue that you were actually involved in an affair before you got separated or divorced, which could make matters more complicated. If you buy your new boyfriend or girlfriend gifts, it could be argued that you are transferring marital assets, which could make the division of marital property more complicated. In many cases, you can make your divorce a lot easier by waiting until it's over before you begin dating again, and your divorce attorney can help you determine whether or not this is the case.

For more information about divorce law, contact a local divorce attorney.