Legal Implications of Starting a New Relationship After a Divorce

Many individuals in New Jersey start new relationships relatively quickly after separating from their former spouses. A new romantic partner can provide emotional support during this difficult time, and it may help you put the memories of your marriage behind you. While the courts generally have no business interfering in your private affairs, a new relationship can cause legal concerns in a few situations.

If you would like to explore this matter in more depth, it is always a good idea to get in touch with a family law attorney. Our legal professionals can assess the specific aspects of your case and determine the best course of action. With our assistance, you can strive for a positive resolution to your divorce, whether you have found a new partner or not.

How a New Relationship Might Affect Child Custody 

Generally speaking, a new relationship is not likely to have a significant effect on child custody. That being said, it is important to approach this situation carefully. First of all, timing is everything. Most attorneys will advise you to avoid moving in with your new partner until after the divorce is finalized. You should also try to keep this relationship as discreet as possible.

When approaching matters related to child custody, a judge will consider the living situation of both spouses. Remember, their decisions are always based on the best interests of the children. If they believe that a new relationship may be harmful or upsetting to the child in any way, it could affect your parenting time and the final custody decision. Your former spouse may attempt to use your new relationship as an opportunity to paint you in a negative light. You should know that many child psychologists believe that it can be harmful to a child’s psyche to see their parents with someone new, and these child psychologists may testify or be involved in the legal process of a custody battle. 

How a New Relationship Might Affect Alimony 

Once a spouse starts living with someone new, they may lose the right to receive alimony from their former spouse. This is because the court assumes that the “receiving” spouse has found someone who can provide the same level of financial support that was previously provided by the “paying spouse.” So if you are going to start living with someone new, you should plan your finances accordingly. You could lose a significant amount of money that you were previously depending on from your alimony payments.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been searching the New Jersey area for a family law attorney, look no further than Giro, LLP, Attorneys at Law. We have helped numerous spouses move on with their lives, and we understand how complex these situations can be. Even though it is true that a new relationship can cause legal concerns, there is no reason you should face unnecessary consequences for finding someone new. Book your consultation today, and we can guide you towards a positive legal outcome.