Four Reasons to Consider NOT Dating During Your Divorce

After being in a contentious and unhappy relationship for many months or even years, it is natural to consider the prospects of dating once your divorce is filed. However, it is important to use caution before jumping right back into the dating pool or getting into another relationship. As an experienced Chicago divorce attorney, there are both practical and emotional reasons why we generally advise against it.  

Why Dating During a Divorce is Generally Not a Good Idea

It is important to remember that simply filing for divorce does not automatically end your marriage. While there may have been distance in your relationship or possibly a considerable period of separation before your divorce was actually filed, the fact is that you are still married until the final divorce order is issued. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, this could take many months to achieve. Aside from the fact that you are not yet single, reasons why dating during a divorce is generally not a good idea include:

1. It takes time to recover from a breakup.  

Psychology Today advises that even if you have been experiencing problems with your marriage for years, it is important to go through the grieving process during a divorce. Jumping into another relationship too soon could be seen as ‘rebounding’ and is not fair to you or to the other party involved.

2. Divorce proceedings can be a time-consuming process.

Even if you are not involved in a complex divorce, the process of meeting with your attorney, attending hearings, and negotiating divorce settlements takes time. Trying to juggle a new relationship during this process can leave you feeling pulled in different directions.

3. Your children will need extra attention.

If you are a parent going through a divorce, it is important to acknowledge that your children will likely need extra attention during this period. They may act out in school or have outbursts of either anger or sadness, which could put a strain on a new relationship. It could also impact your rights when creating child time sharing plans under the Illinois Statutes.

4. Dating could impact divorce related settlements.

As you are still considered married while filing for divorce, entering a new relationship could be considered evidence of adultery. This could impact you in marital property division negotiations and could jeopardize your rights to alimony.

Get Help From Our Chicago Divorce Attorneys

When navigating the difficult process of getting a divorce, the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group provides the trusted legal guidance you need. To request a consultation regarding the details in your particular case, call or contact our Chicago divorce attorneys online today.