Depending on the reasons for your divorce, or the break-up of the relationship with your ex, you may question whether you should date during a divorce or child custody dispute. After all, legal proceedings can be emotionally difficult, and it is helpful to have someone supporting you or willing to listen.
However, dating while in the midst of family court proceedings can have its drawbacks even though it may feel right in the moment. With that, if you are considering a new relationship, the following questions should be answered.
Who should know? – Indeed, clandestine affairs can have disastrous results. So illicit relationships should be avoided and kept quiet at all costs. However, some new relationships are genuine, but how public the relationship will be is an important consideration because it may generate further problems that you may not anticipate.
Is this a long-term relationship? – In the same vein, it may be difficult to know if a new romance is the real deal. However, dating multiple people while in the midst of a custody dispute could have adverse effects. So while you may not know the answer now, it is important if a custody evaluation is ordered.
How will jealousy play a part? – The adage “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” says it all. Even men can make terrible decisions because they are jealous. So considering whether jealousy will be present is an important consideration before dating.
How will it look to a family court judge? – Ultimately, custody decisions are based on what is in the best interests of the child. So if your lifestyle and dating choices compromise this, a family court judge will act to protect the child.