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How dating before your divorce is over can hurt your case

On Behalf of | Mar 12, 2021 | Divorce

Once you or your ex has filed for divorce, it can feel like the relationship is over. It certainly is emotionally. But legally, filing is just the beginning of the process in most cases.

Many times, people in Baltimore County who are getting divorced are eager to start dating again. Maybe they have already met somebody they are interested in. But here are five reasons to consider waiting until your divorce is final before starting a new relationship.

  • It can drag out your divorce. Even if you do not consider it cheating to date during divorce, your spouse might see it differently. It can cause hurt feelings and a desire to fight over property division and child custody as a form of revenge.
  • It can affect your ability to receive spousal support. Cohabiting with a new partner can make it virtually impossible to claim you need spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony.
  • It can have tax consequences. Alternatively, your ex may choose to pay you spousal support rather than giving you a larger share of the marital assets because they don’t feel like working with you because you are seeing someone new. Transfer of marital property is generally not taxed, but spousal support is.
  • The kids may not be ready. The divorce of their parents is a huge adjustment for children. This usually takes a long time and requires a lot of attention and support from the parents. Bringing home a new partner before the children have accepted the divorce can make them feel abandoned.
  • You might not be ready either. While it can feel exciting to date again after an unhappy marriage, you need to deal with your emotions about the divorce first. Otherwise, your next relationship could follow the same pattern as your marriage.

Of course, your personal life is your business. Your divorce attorney’s job is to advise you on your legal position and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.