Valentine’s Day Is Approaching: Navigating New Relationships During a Pending Maryland Divorce

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away. If you are in the middle of a Maryland divorce, you may be wondering how to approach this tricky holiday. Even if your relationship is long over, and you have a new significant other in your life, knowing how to navigate this while your divorce is pending is important. Many wonder whether it’s safe to date or whether it will have an impact on the divorce case. The answer is, it depends, so it’s important to have legal advice about your specific situation.

At RPM Law, our Maryland family law attorneys know that every divorce is different, and new relationships often start before your divorce is final. While normal, it’s critical to understand the impact it could have on your pending divorce. Speak to our attorneys to learn about your unique situation. 

Dating During a Maryland Divorce

Dating during a divorce doesn’t necessarily impact the legal aspect of your case. Unlike the prior law, Maryland has moved away from fault-based grounds for divorce. Instead, it focuses on:

• Irreconcilable differences
• Mutual consent
• Six-month separation

This means that dating during your divorce is not a ground for the divorce itself. 

However, dating during your divorce could still have certain risks. Courts can still consider the behavior of each person during the marriage for specific purposes. It could impact:

• Child custody
• Financial fairness
• Credibility of the parties

How a New Relationship Can Affect Child Custody

If you have kids together with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, dating can impact the court’s decisions on custody. The court will look at the kids’ best interests. If there is a new partner in the equation, the court might have to consider that when making decisions.

A judge may consider:

• Whether the new partner has a criminal history or poses safety concerns
• How quickly the children were introduced to the new relationship
• Whether the new partner’s presence is disruptive to their routines
• Whether the relationship creates conflict between co-parents
• Whether the dating parent is prioritizing their new interest over the kids

Financial Implications of Dating Before the Divorce Is Final

While Maryland no longer relies heavily on fault-based divorce grounds, financial issues can still be influenced by a new relationship.

Alimony Considerations

If you want alimony, dating someone new could potentially impact that request. This is especially true if you’re living together and sharing expenses. This might affect how the court views your need for alimony.

Property Division

Maryland uses an equitable distribution system to divide property. Property is divided fairly, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be fully equal. Dating itself doesn’t impact property division, but it can if you’re spending marital funds on your new partner. This is especially true if you’ve given your new partner:

• Gifts
• Trips
• Shared expenses

Keeping finances separate and avoiding unnecessary spending during the divorce can help prevent disputes.

Emotional and Practical Considerations

It’s not just the legal aspects that matter. The emotional and practical aspects of dating while still married could have an impact.

Consider:

• Whether you are emotionally ready for a new relationship
• How your spouse may react
• Whether dating will impact your ability to negotiate a settlement
• Whether dating may escalate conflict 
• How your children may interpret the new relationship
• Whether the relationship is adding stability or creating additional pressure

Valentine’s Day can heighten emotions, but it’s important to make decisions based on long-term well-being, not holiday expectations.

Tips for Navigating New Relationships During a Pending Divorce

If you choose to date while your Maryland divorce is still pending, these steps can help protect your interests:

• Avoid posting photos or updates on social media
• Do not introduce your children to a new partner too soon
• Maintain separate finances and avoid using marital funds
• Be honest with your attorney about the relationship
• Cooperate with your co-parent
• Ensure you keep a stable routine for your children
• Focus on the kids’ emotional needs over your own, or your new partner’s

Work With a Maryland Divorce Attorney for Your Divorce

If you don’t know how your new relationship might impact your current divorce, speak to an attorney right away. An attorney for a divorce is critical regardless of your situation, but especially so if you are in a new relationship. 

Our team at RPM Law are ready to help with your divorce. Contact us today for a consultation.