When you are going through a divorce, you may feel sad and lonely. You may consider going on dates with different people during proceedings to feel better. However, getting into a new romantic relationship while going through a divorce is rarely a good idea. Here are a few reasons why dating during your divorce can be harmful.
It Can Drag Out Your Divorce
A divorce is a stressful ordeal, so you likely want to finalize it as soon as possible. However, if you start dating someone new, you might not be able to do that. Some spouses may become angry or jealous that the other person has started dating. If your spouse gets upset about you dating someone else, he or she could make the divorce process more difficult for you. Your spouse could refuse to compromise and drag out the entire process.
It Can Upset Your Children
A divorce is already difficult enough for children. They see their family breaking apart and may even blame themselves for the divorce. If you bring someone new into their life this soon, it can just add to their stress. They may wonder why you are pursuing a relationship so quickly and become upset. In addition, getting involved with a new romantic partner could take your time away from your children.
It Could Affect Child Custody
If you start dating during your divorce, it could also have a negative impact on child custody. Your spouse may be upset that you are with a new romantic partner and make the custody process more difficult. He or she may feel concerned that the kids are around a stranger and express those worries to the judge.
It Could Make Your Divorce More Expensive
As mentioned above, your spouse could get angry that you are dating someone new and drag out the divorce process. Unfortunately, the longer your divorce case takes to finalize, the more it will cost you. A divorce is expensive enough already. You do not want to do anything to make it even more costly.
You Need Time to Heal
A divorce is one of the most emotionally draining processes you can go through. You may feel a wide range of emotions, including sadness, resentment and anger. It is important to give yourself plenty of time to process those emotions so that you can move on. However, if you start dating too soon, you will not be able to concentrate on your own emotional healing.
Consulting a Family Attorney
If you plan to divorce your spouse, you may want to speak with a family attorney, like one from The McKinney Law Group. A divorce is a difficult process, so it is helpful to have someone with knowledge and experience on your side. A lawyer can guide you through the entire process and improve your chances of getting a favorable settlement. He or she can also help you avoid making costly mistakes.
If you have questions about a prenup agreement or a postnup agreement or require legal assistance in other areas of Family Law you may always contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-428-3400 or by e-mail at [email protected].
We now offer virtual prenuptial agreements. Contact us to inquire further about our virtual prenup option.