New Relationships Can Affect Divorce Agreements

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Child Support

If you are currently working through a divorce or plan to file for divorce in the near future, do not rush into a new relationship. Being in a new relationship while your divorce is still being finalized can have a negative impact on your settlement and resulting arrangements, such as your child support and custody agreements. It is important that you understand how dating somebody new can affect your divorce and, if you do opt to begin seeing somebody before the process is complete, that you take it slowly and do not do anything to jeopardize your divorce agreement.

Child Custody

If a new partner moves into your home or you frequently have sexual or romantic partners coming in and out of your house, this can negatively affect your child custody agreement. The court may find that exposure to your new partner is not in your child's best interest, especially if your new partner's relationship with your child is poor, your partner uses drugs, or has a criminal record.

Spousal Maintenance

Cohabitation with a new partner can affect your spousal support agreement and even the division of your shared property. Remember, Illinois' divorce laws follow the principle of equitable distribution, which means that your assets are divided according to each partner's financial needs and resources. If your partner moves in and contributes to your household expenses, the spousal support and property you are entitled to receive in your divorce may change.

The Ability to Cooperate with Your Spouse

Emotions run high during the divorce process. When you bring a new partner into the picture, this can become even more true. In many cases, a successful divorce that meets all parties' needs is contingent on the couple's ability to work together to resolve their issues and negotiate a settlement. If you can not communicate openly with each other, such efforts can prove fruitless. Failure to complete your divorce through mediation or collaborative divorce will require you to go to court, which is typically expensive and time-consuming. Having to work out your divorce in court also often makes resentment between spouses worse, charting the path for a difficult post-divorce relationship. This can return to affect you later, as well, when you need to work with your spouse regarding child support, child custody, and big events in your child's life such as his or her graduation or wedding. Remember, although Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, starting a new relationship before your divorce is finalized may still be considered adultery.

Divorce Attorneys in the Kendall County Area By knowing how the choices you make can affect your divorce proceeding, you can continue through the divorce process without losing any rights or opportunities. To learn more about how dating somebody new can affect your individual case, contact the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. at 630-409-8184 to schedule your legal consultation with a dedicated Aurora divorce attorney. We can examine the details of your divorce and advise you about how a new relationship can play into it.