21 McGrath Highway Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram

Bruce L. Watson & Associates

Powerful Divorce Representation. Compassionate Family Law Attorneys.

Call For A Free Consultation
617-773-4111
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation

Am I Allowed to Date if My Divorce is Pending?

cute-couple-on-a-date-at-the-cafe-PFY4SV5 (1)

Divorce can be a lengthy process, and for many divorcing couples, the marriage is over emotionally long before a divorce is legally pursued. It’s not uncommon for a spouse to consider dating while their divorce is pending.

The short answer to the question ‘to date or not to date’ is that there is no law in Massachusetts that prevents spouses from dating after separating or divorcing. So yes, you are allowed to date when your divorce is pending. However, before diving into the dating pool, you should be aware of the potential legal and financial consequences.

Keep in mind, under the law, you are considered to be legally married until a judge officially divorces you. In regards to the financial aspects of a divorce, property division and support are determined by the Probate and Family Court using the factors outlined in General Laws Chapter 208, Section 34. One of the factors that come into play is the ‘conduct of the respective parties during the marriage.’

The Probate and Family Court will give little consideration to dating when dividing marital assets unless a spouse going through a divorce is spending a significant amount of money on their new love interest. This can be viewed as a dissipation of marital assets and can result in awarding the other spouse a more significant share of the marital assets.

Financial support or alimony is the other financial aspect determined by Probate and Family Court. Outlined in General Laws Chapter 208, alimony can be “suspended, reduced, or terminated upon the cohabitation of the recipient spouse when the payor shows that the recipient spouse has maintained a common household, as defined in this subsection, with another person for a continuous period of at least 3 months.”

Other legal factors that can come into play for a dating spouse include custody and parenting issues. When children are involved, a parenting plan is presented to the court during divorce proceedings. This process can be significantly more difficult if the other spouse does not approve of a dating parent’s significant other. Also bear in mind, the character of a spouse’s significant other can be scrutinized by state officials to determine whether this is an appropriate person for the children to be exposed to.

Additionally, dating during divorce may distract you from addressing personal emotional distress, impact your settlement strategy, or even your ability to settle your case. The decision to date is a personal one. However, the impacts can be far-reaching.

If you need an experienced attorney you can trust, contact our office for guidance on the dissolution of your marriage.

date during divorce divorce family law
Previous StoryWhen Your Co-Parent Is an Essential Worker
Next StoryGet the Facts About Parental Rights, Paternity Testing, and Child Support
Call Today: 617-773-4111

Categories

  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Articles
  • Divorce Questions & Answers
  • DivorceNet Articles
  • General Posts
  • In The News

Tags

Alimony Annulment asset division bifurcation child custody Child Support civil union Co-parenting Collaborative Law Coronavirus COVID-19 date during divorce divorce divorce mediation divorce modifications DNA testing Domestic Abuse Estate Planning false allegations family law fault divorce grandparent custody gray divorce guardianship health insurance coverage High Net Worth Divorce Infidelity Joint Custody no-fault divorce Out-of-State Divorce Parenting Time paternity Protecting Assets separation agreements Tax Cuts and Jobs Act visitation

How May We Help You?

We offer a free initial consultation

Attorney Bruce L. Watson

Serving Greater Boston & South Shore region.

617-773-4111
21 McGrath Highway
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Bruce L. Watson, Esq.
    • Christine Sunnerberg, Esq.
  • Client Reviews
  • Divorce Practice
    • Alimony
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Divorce
    • Divorce Modifications
    • Parenting Time
    • Paternity
    • Restraining Orders
  • Divorce Resources
  • Legal Blog
  • Contact us
    • Free Initial Consultation
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram
Copyright © 2023

by Attorney Bruce Watson · Quincy Divorce Lawyer · Attorney Marketing by Bardorf Legal Marketing

Email Us
close slider

Get A Case Evaluation

We are happy to provide a consultation to all first time clients.
Please complete the form below and we will contact you.