If you have a separation agreement in place with your spouse, and you are living separately from you spouse, can you start to date other people? Or, is it considered adultery until you are officially divorced? And, dating other people factor into the spouse's alimony award (specifically, the spouse is awarded more $ for catching the other one committing adultery during the marital separation)?
2007-10-03 09:12:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Does anyone know what the law is in Maryland? If you are separated in Maryland, is it legal to have a romantic and sexual relationship with someone else before the divorce is final?
2007-10-04 02:10:47 · update #1
It depends on what state you live in. In California, couples are required to be separated (whether by legal documentation or physically separating and living on their own) before they can file for divorce. If you are intending to get divorced and the separation is simply a formality of the process, then yes you can start date other people. In California, if you are separated with the intent to divorce and begin dating after the separation has taken place, it is not considered adultery. And technically, adultery involves romantic (usually sexual) involvement outside the marriage so if you are just "dating" people I would think it's not an issue as of yet.
As far as whether or not the ex-spouse can be awarded more alimony, I have no idea...in California or any other state. As far as I am aware, the purpose of alimony is similar to the purpose of child support - to allow the other party to maintain a reasonable lifestyle for a pre-determined period of time, particularly in situations where it was a single-income household or the variance in income was significant.
But again, I'm not entirely certain. This is something that I would assume is only an issue in situations where the parties are unable ot unwilling to negotiate certain things between themselves without involving the courts. Best advice I can give you is to seek the advice of a lawyer or at the very least do some research regarding the laws in your state.
2007-10-03 10:54:49 · answer #1 · answered by QT_Pie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A separation usually means that the two people are taking a break in order to figure out if they are going to get a divorce or try to work it out.
In my opinion, if you are taking this time to think and make important decisions, dating someone else is only going to muddy up the waters that much more. Plus how can you be working on saving your marriage if you're chasing skirt?
I also believe it is adultery until you are divorced.
2007-10-03 09:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by wondermom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all i don't think it would be right to date if you are just separated from your wife or husband, Because sometimes you may meet someone that your attracted to and fall in love with them and than you decide to go back to wife or husband and the other person winds up getting hurt. Your talking about adultery if a woman or man have thoughts of act in they heart they have already commit ed adultery. It seem that your thinking about money also if one is caught in adulty then one will pay handsomely. So think before you leap
best of luck
2007-10-03 12:00:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
okay folks i am not sure about anyone else but if your separated and your soon to be ex-wife is living with and pregnant buy another man, do you remain faithful to her till the divorce is over???
while i have been faithful. it's hard getting back into the dating seen. especially if your a single father of 2. i don't have allot of time to just "go out' so meeting anyone is difficult to say the least.
but as to the primary question. it's up to the person to decide.
if your in a "no chance ever" relation and waiting on the divorce to be finalized i would say its okay to date. just let your date know what there getting into and allow them a choice.
if there's a chance you can make reconciliations then i would say DON'T date.
hope this help someone.
just my $0.02 worth.
2007-10-03 09:37:52 · answer #4 · answered by shad0w_warri0r2003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My belief is that you do not date until you have those divorce paper's in your hand. Remember Integrity starts with I -- who do you want to be?
From my standpoint It's self punishment for marring the wrong person, and
Keeps you focused on the long term (makes you try to keep the marriage going because you'll be going a long time without companionship if you fail).
2007-10-03 09:44:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have a separation agreement it shouldn't be an issue. Most of them state that you will live separately as if you are unmarried.
2007-10-03 09:15:49 · answer #6 · answered by michims 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the shown fact that he left has no criminal touching on which one in all you documents for divorce. it could be on your income to record when you consider which you may administration the p.c.. of the divorce in case you record first. relationship is effective with me. yet, some religious human beings would say which you're nevertheless married till you get divorced. I dated formerly my divorce grow to be very final. existence is purely too short to waste waiting on your husband to divorce you. do purely not carry the babies into your relationship till the divorce is very final.
2016-10-20 22:33:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is absolutely not adultery if you have a seperation agreement but if you are trying to get back together then it is not a good idea but otherwise feel free to knock yourself out
2007-10-03 09:23:57 · answer #8 · answered by the_orc_1 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in Gods eyes it adultery, check with an attorney in ur state or country
2007-10-03 09:17:59 · answer #9 · answered by charlesjerrell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does the agreement say. If not stated, then it is up to you and your morals. I know i am going to get hell from the Christian Taliban for this one.
2007-10-03 09:17:05 · answer #10 · answered by bootsontheroad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋