Out With The Old

Finding a new partner can happen when we least expect it. For some, this may happen while the divorce is still pending. Though you may be eager to move on, dating someone during a divorce can pose some problems that may have legal implications in your divorce or emotional implications for your family.

New Partner Problems

First, be aware that no matter your spouse’s conduct during the marriage, it may hurt him or her deeply to see you with a new partner during this difficult time. Though you may not care about making your spouse feel bad, you should care about how that may, in turn, affect your children or the divorce itself.

Second, think of your kids. This may not be the best time to introduce a new parent-figure into their lives. Divorce is traumatic to some children. Waiting until the divorce is finalized can allow your children time to cope with the new adjustment. Children can be disorientated when presented with a new parent figure during or soon after a divorce, and some do not cope well with this.

And, lastly, your spouse may cast a negative light on you in court if you have a new partner. You and your spouse are still married until your divorce is finalized. It is wise to play it safe and remain in good conduct until you are divorced. It may affect how your parenting time is divided and can even affect things like alimony or child support if you decide to cohabit with him or her, especially if your household finances reflect a new income. In Massachusetts, a new partner won’t affect alimony unless you have been living together for at least three months and you are benefiting from this financially. If you have already found someone new, consider divorce mediation as a more efficient way to divorce. Taking your divorce to court not only can take much longer, there is also a risk of your conduct being used against you in the case.

Mediation is more confidential than divorce litigation and leaves less room for public scrutiny. With mediation, you may be able to complete your divorce relatively quickly, meaning you can move on comfortably and openly as soon as possible.

If you have questions about the divorce process, contact Mediation Advantage Services for experienced family law help. Law Office of Polly Tatum can assist you and your spouse with amicably and economically mediating your divorce. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson.

Call our office at (774) 366-3711, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.