If you are in the process of getting a divorce, or have already been through one, you may be wondering if starting a new relationship can affect the outcome. The answer to this question is not always clear cut, as there are many factors to consider. Here we will take a look at some of the ways a new relationship can affect a divorce.
If your divorce is not yet finalised, then dating someone new could potentially delay the process. This is because if your spouse finds out about the relationship, they may feel that you are not fully committed to ending the marriage and so may slow down or halt negotiations. In some cases, this can lead to one spouse using the relationship as leverage in order to gain an advantage in property settlements or custody arrangements. If you are concerned that this may happen, it is best to speak with your lawyer before entering into any new relationships.
Once a divorce is finalised, dating someone new generally will not have any direct impact on its terms. However, there could be indirect impacts depending on your particular circumstances. For example, if you share custody of your children with your ex-spouse and start dating someone who also has children from a previous relationship, this could complicate matters when it comes to arranging visitation schedules. Additionally, if you were ordered to pay spousal support in your divorce and then later remarry or enter into a new long-term relationship, this could affect whether or not you are still required to make those payments (as courts typically only require spousal support when one spouse is unable to adequately support themselves). As such, it is always best to consult with a lawyer before starting any new relationships after divorcing