It’s almost never a good idea to begin dating before your divorce is final. There are a number of reasons to wait until the papers are signed before beginning a new relationship. Dating during your divorce can make your soon-to-be ex very angry, and that can make the divorce process worse than it needs to be.
In addition, you are still legally married until the divorce is finalized. Although you may have been separated from your spouse for a long time, dating during your divorce can be used against you to make it look as if you engaged in misconduct during the marriage. Dating during your marriage will definitely not help your legal case.
If you have children, dating during the divorce can be tough on them. They need time to process what has happened before introducing a new partner to them. In addition, your new partner could be open to scrutiny if you have children. In a custody investigation, it’s likely that any new boyfriend or girlfriend will be investigated. Also, if you decide to live with a new partner before the divorce is final, this could greatly impact the amount of alimony you will receive after the divorce.
Finally, it’s normally a good idea emotionally to wait for a while after the divorce is final to date. Although attention from the opposite sex can be very flattering during a difficult time, in the long run you need time to grieve the marriage before starting a new relationship.
Can You Get Married Before Your Divorce is Final?
It is illegal to marry before your divorce is finalized. You may not be married to multiple people, as it can result in criminal charges such as heavy fines or imprisonment. The judge must sign your Final Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage before you are legally single again. Spouses fall into this trap when they are unaware of the laws their state enforces, or if they attempt to divorce without the expertise of an attorney.