Can You Date While Going Through a Divorce in Fayetteville, Georgia?

When you’re going through a divorce, it’s natural to wonder when you can start moving forward with your personal life. For many, that includes asking: “Can you date while going through a divorce?”

The short answer: You can, but you may want to think carefully about how dating during this time could affect your divorce case, your children, and your ability to heal emotionally. At Lunn Law LLC, our divorce lawyers in Fayetteville, GA, guide clients through these questions every day with compassion, honesty, and professionalism.

We help good people protect what matters most, and part of that means setting realistic expectations about the risks and challenges of dating before your divorce is finalized.

Georgia Divorce Law: Why Dating Can Complicate Things

Georgia is not a pure “no-fault” state. While most divorces today are filed under no-fault grounds, such as irreconcilable differences, the law still recognizes fault-based grounds, such as adultery. Because Georgia does not have legal separation, spouses remain legally married until the divorce is final.

This means that dating before your divorce is finalized could be considered adultery, and that may have real consequences. So while no law prohibits dating during a divorce, doing so can give your spouse grounds to complicate the divorce proceedings or weaken your case.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

While you may feel ready to start dating or pursue a new relationship, the timing can create complications. If your soon-to-be ex learns you are dating, it can spark anger, resentment, or even attempts to delay or complicate the divorce process.

Instead of moving toward a settlement, your spouse may fight harder over custody, property division, or alimony. What could have been a smoother divorce may become drawn-out and contentious.

Child Custody and Parenting Considerations

If you have children, dating while your divorce is pending requires extra caution. Georgia courts base custody decisions on the best interests of the child, and your spouse could argue that your new dating partner has a negative influence on your child’s well-being.

For example, if your new partner has a history of legal trouble, substance abuse, or instability, that could weigh heavily in custody discussions. Even if your partner has no such history, the mere fact that your spouse objects could create conflict and affect co-parenting and custody arrangements.

Children also need time to adjust to the changes in their family. Introducing a new partner too soon may add stress to an already emotional time. As compassionate divorce lawyers in Fayetteville, GA, we often remind clients that children should remain the top priority during a divorce.

Alimony, Marital Property, and Financial Impacts

As noted, adultery can directly affect alimony. If your spouse can prove your new relationship contributed to the breakup, you may lose the right to claim spousal support. Additionally, if you share finances and marital assets are used on your new partner (for example: gifts, vacations, or housing support), your ex-spouse could claim dissipation of assets, which may affect how property is divided.

This is why it’s critical to understand the potential legal ramifications of dating before your divorce is final. Even choices that may feel personal can carry legal weight when viewed in the eyes of the court.

Emotional Healing Takes Time

Divorce is often compared to grieving, and for good reason. Feelings of denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance all take time to process. Entering a new relationship before you’ve had the chance to heal may slow down that process, leaving you with unresolved emotions that spill into the new relationship.

Many of our clients want to “move on” quickly. But allowing yourself time and space to heal can set the foundation for healthier relationships in the future and foster personal growth during this transition. It’s also important to recognize the emotional complexities of divorce. Rushing into dating while still working through these emotions may create unnecessary strain for you and those around you.

Consider the Other Person, Too

Dating during a divorce doesn’t just affect you. It affects the person you’re dating, as well. A new partner may be pulled into the legal process, questioned by your spouse, or put in uncomfortable situations. This stress can put a strain on the relationship before it even has a chance to grow.

In fact, new relationships during this time may come with unforeseen legal implications. For example, a partner could be subpoenaed to testify, or the relationship may be scrutinized in custody or support hearings.

Instead of relying on a new relationship for emotional support, many people find it more helpful to lean on trusted friends, family, support groups, or even professional counseling.

The Bottom Line: Think Carefully Before Dating

So, can you date while going through a divorce in Fayetteville, Georgia? Technically, yes. But whether you should is another matter. Dating during a divorce can make custody negotiations harder, prolong divorce proceedings, and impact your emotional recovery.

At Lunn Law LLC, we believe in giving clients clear, realistic advice. We don’t take every case; we take the right cases, and that means helping good people make informed decisions about their future.

Don’t Let a New Relationship Complicate Your Divorce. Talk With a Georgia Divorce Attorney First

Before making any decisions about dating during your divorce, it’s best to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer. At Lunn Law LLC, our team is detail-oriented, compassionate, and committed to guiding you through this challenging time with clarity and care. We help good people protect what matters most, whether that’s their relationships with their children, their financial security, or their peace of mind.

If you’re considering dating while your divorce is still pending, or if you need guidance on custody, alimony, or the divorce process, call us today at (770) 740-6350 or complete our confidential online form to book a case assessment with a member of our intake team.

Copyright © 2025. Lunn Law LLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Lunn Law LLC
124 S. Main Street, Ste 1F
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
(770) 740-6350
https://www.lunnlaw.com