For many people, ending a relationship will eventually mean starting a new one. As a result, it is common to begin dating after a divorce. But, dating during your divorce, or even soon after, can have very negative implications on your divorce proceedings. Read on to learn more.
Grounds for Divorce
When it comes to divorce, you will have to determine the grounds. Grounds refer to the legal reason the divorce is occurring. In New York, you can file on fault grounds or no-fault grounds. “No-fault” means that your marriage is ending due to irretrievable differences. But, in New York, you can cite the following fault grounds:
- Adultery
- Extreme cruelty
- Abandonment for at least one year
- Institutionalization
- Imprisonment
This is important for a number of reasons. For example, if your spouse files for divorce on the grounds of adultery, and you are seen dating someone else during your divorce, this may be used as evidence against you.
Custody
Child custody is a matter taken very seriously by New York courts. When determining custody arrangements, a judge is working to ensure that your child is in a happy, healthy, and safe environment. If it comes out that you are dating during your divorce, this can impact your custody arrangement. For example, a judge may determine that bringing new people around your child during such a difficult emotional time creates an unhealthy environment.
Other Behavior to Avoid
If you are getting divorced, you should also avoid the following behaviors, as they can impact your case negatively:
- Keep things from your attorney
- Post anything on social media that can be used against you
- Post information regarding your divorce on social media
- Withhold visitation from your spouse for their failure to make child support payments
- Move out of state with your children
- Bring a new significant other around your children or the court hearings
- Get pregnant or get anyone pregnant
- Remove children from their current school
- Buy real estate or any extravagant items while the divorce is pending
- Sell property without the court’s permission
- Send mean or negative emails, texts, messages, etc. to your spouse
- Increase your debt while the divorce is pending
- Give large contributions to anyone during the proceedings
- Discuss the case with your children or use them as intermediaries
- Criticize your spouse in front of your children
If you have any questions or concerns, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced attorney.
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Matters of divorce and family law should be navigated with the guidance of an experienced attorney. If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today.
