Dating Before Your Washington State Divorce Is Final: Four Things To Consider

Divorce in Washington State can take months – and some complex cases can take over a year. In addition, many couples separate, either legally or otherwise, long before deciding to officially end their relationship. Therefore, it is understandable that a significant number of people feel comfortable dating someone new before their divorce is finalized. However, before you begin a new romantic relationship before finishing the paperwork on your old one, do consider a few issues that could arise from that decision.

Dating before your divorce is finalized could:

• Make your divorce more contentious. An amicable divorce could turn messy if you begin to date someone new – whether or not your ex has also moved on. While there is nothing legally wrong with dating before your divorce is official in Washington State, it can often begin disputes and complexities that could otherwise be avoided.
• Upset or confuse your children. A divorce means huge changes for your children, who will be struggling feelings of anger, confusion and sadness. Even if you are entering into a healthy new relationship, your kinds might not be ready to accept someone new in their lives.
• Distract you from focusing on you. Starting a new relationship quickly after the end of a long-term marriage could take away an opportunity to redefine yourself without a partner and learn about what you truly need and want out of life.
• Add complexity to your new relationship. Dating a new person before your divorce is finalized may also be difficult for your new partner. They may feel used or ignored, especially since much of your energy will still be going towards tying up the loose ends of your last relationship.

Make no mistake: dating before your divorce is finalized could indeed be the right choice for you and your family, and every divorce is different. However, it is important to think through your decision carefully before making another change among big changes.

Do you need a Seattle divorce attorney? Speak with Molly Kenny today about your family law needs.