Not every Alabama marriage lasts a lifetime. In fact, spouses often file for divorce for a wide variety of reasons. Some say their partners no longer listen to them. Others say they have simply grown apart. Then, there are those who claim their spouses have been unfaithful.

Regardless of particular events that may lead to divorce, the whole process can be quite stressful as each spouse learns to adapt to a new lifestyle. This often raises many questions, such as who will live with the children (if there are any) or which spouse gets to keep the house (or whether it should be sold). Some people wonder whether it’s okay to enter a dating relationship during divorce proceedings, as made evident in recent news concerning the famous rapper, T.I., and a woman he’s been seen with in public before his divorce is finalized.

There’s no law in Alabama prohibiting someone from entering a dating relationship while going through divorce. This does not, however, necessarily mean it is a good idea. Many people have found the potential personal and legal ramifications of doing so simply not worth it. For instance, beginning a new relationship before the “ink is dry” on a divorce decree often tends to strain relationships with extended family members.

Also, where children are involved, the court may not view a new romantic relationship in a positive light with regard to any ongoing issues involving child custody and visitation. For this and many other reasons, it’s typically best to weigh the pros and cons of dating during divorce carefully before choosing whether to enter a relationship. If such issues lead to problems or delays when negotiating a settlement, assistance can be sought through consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

Source: madamenoire.com, “Is A Marriage Really Over The Moment One Files For Divorce?“, Victoria Uwumarogie, Accessed on March 28, 2017