Should I avoid dating during Tennessee divorce?

It’s usually recommended to avoid dating during divorce proceedings because it could affect the child and spousal support you owe, the child custody agreement, and the distribution of marital assets. It generally is best to begin dating only after your divorce has been finalized. If you’d like to discuss how dating may affect your case in particular, contact a divorce attorney at the Miles Mason Family Law Group for divorce help for men in Collierville.

Why You Should Avoid Dating During Divorce 

While it may be tempting to jump back on the dating bandwagon once you and your spouse have decided to divorce, for the sake of your children, your divorce proceedings and your assets, it may be best you refrain from doing so until the divorce is actually finalized. 

Reasons why dating during divorce is not recommended: 

• It can have a negative impact on your children. A divorce is hard enough on children. It’s confusing, painful and sad all at once. Dating during a divorce can make it even more difficult on your kids. Bringing a new woman into their lives can be extremely unsettling. Save dating for when your kids are adjusted to your separation and are more equipped to handle the change.
• It can anger your ex and cause her to act out of jealousy or spite. The last thing you want to do is anger you ex during divorce proceedings. Choosing to date while your divorce is ongoing can make your ex act out of spite and jealousy during negotiations and discussions. She may be less willing to compromise if she feels disrespected by your dating; it could lead her to seek full custody of your children, demanding more spousal support or other negatives.
• It can be considered adultery. If your divorce isn’t finalized, dating could be considered a form of adultery. Because Tennessee is both a fault and no-fault divorce state, committing adultery could be used as grounds for divorce. Avoiding dating during divorce can help prevent this from happening.
• It can affect the amount of support you owe and how your property is divided. If you’re spending money on gifts, dates and other items for a new significant other, this could be a sign that you have extra disposable income, and that you should pay a higher amount of spousal support to your ex. It also could affect how your property and assets are divided by showing that you have more funds to spend than your spouse.
• It can affect child custody. If your new significant other has a questionable or criminal history, this could be used against you in custody proceedings. A judge may be less likely to grant you even partial custody if you are cohabitating with a person who may threaten the safety of your children.

To learn more, see Dating While Separated.

More Divorce Help for Men 

According to the U.S. Census, about 11 of every 1,000 men in Tennessee went through a divorce in 2009. For more tips and divorce help for men, call (901) 683-1850 to speak to a Collierville divorce attorney at Miles Mason Family Law Group. Our team can help you through the divorce process and further explain the possible consequences dating during divorce may have for your case.