Can I Date During My Divorce?

Can I date during my divorce is one of the most common questions people ask when going through a separation. The short answer? You can—but you shouldn’t.

Technically, yes—you can date during your divorce. But legally and emotionally, you probably shouldn’t. Dating during the divorce process can create problems with property division, custody, and communication, especially if children are involved. Waiting until the divorce is final can help avoid added stress, conflict, and confusion for everyone.

Can I Start Dating During My Divorce?

While there’s no law stopping you from dating during a divorce, it can create complications—both legal and emotional—that can make the process harder than it needs to be.

Legal Risks of Dating Before the Divorce Is Final

One big reason to hold off on dating is the financial impact it may have. In Florida, divorce follows the rule of equitable distribution, which means marital property and debts are divided fairly. The court may use either the date of separation or the date of filing to determine what counts as marital property.

If you begin a new relationship and spend shared marital funds on your new partner—such as gifts, trips, or even rent—it may be seen as marital asset depletion. That could reduce your share of the final settlement.

Emotional Risks, Especially for Families with Children

Introducing a new romantic partner before the divorce is finalized can also be tough on kids. Children need time to adjust to the separation of their parents. If one parent brings someone new into the picture too soon, it can cause confusion, resentment, and emotional stress.

It may even affect custody discussions. Judges in Florida are guided by what’s in the best interest of the child, and if your new relationship is causing instability, it could influence time-sharing decisions.

When People Make Exceptions

Of course, not every divorce is full of conflict. Some couples have been separated for years before they file, and in those cases, one or both partners may already be in new relationships. If that’s your situation—and you’ve been living separate lives—it may not cause problems. But it’s still smart to speak with a divorce attorney before introducing a new partner into your public or family life.

Dating during your divorce may feel like a fresh start—but it can come at a cost. Whether it’s financial risk, emotional confusion for your children, or increased tension with your spouse, it’s usually best to wait. Focus on getting through the divorce process first, and then give yourself a clean slate to begin again—with less stress and fewer complications.

FAQs

Q1: Can dating during my divorce affect my financial settlement?
Yes. If you spend marital money on a new partner, the court may consider that when dividing property, which could reduce your share.

Q2: Will dating affect custody or time-sharing?
It could. If a judge feels the new relationship is affecting your child’s well-being or causing tension, it may influence time-sharing decisions.

Q3: What if we’ve been separated for a long time?
If you’ve been separated for years and already living separate lives, dating may not raise red flags—but it’s still wise to talk with your attorney before making anything public.

Need advice on how to protect your rights during divorce?
📞 Call Zaneta Matthews at (407) 630-8959 to schedule a consultation.

Zaneta Matthews is a trusted Orlando family law attorney and a member of Collaborative Divorce Central Florida and the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals