Save Online Dating for After Your Divorce

 Posted on March 11, 2013 in Children

A recent UPI article details the results of a survey that has been released by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). According to 59% of the divorce lawyers surveyed, there has been an increase over the last three years in the number of divorce cases that involve evidence of one or both spouses using an online dating site. Match.com appears to be the dating site of choice, according to 64% of the survey respondents, with another 9% pointing to eHarmony and 27% of respondents naming other sites.

Evidently, people who post online profiles on dating websites tend not to be wholly truthful about themselves. The most common type of evidence cited in divorce cases was relationship status (57%), followed by salary (15%), and parental status (7%). In other words, some people who are in the process of a separation or divorce list themselves as "single," and some even deny that they have children.

The president of the AAML points out that such evidence can be quite harmful to people who are in the process of a messy divorce. Evidence taken from online dating websites can be key in a court's decision about custody and other crucial matters. Therefore, the best practice seems to be to avoid dating websites altogether during your divorce, or at least be completely truthful if you do choose to use such a site while your divorce is still pending.

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and often can become even more complicated when one spouse starts dating again. Particularly in highly contested divorces, the addition of a new boyfriend or girlfriend tends to cause even more jealousy, anger, and bitterness. Plus, a new significant other who suddenly is inserted into your child's life can end up being detrimental in the long run in terms of your divorce case, especially if the new boyfriend has a criminal history or some other type of unsavory past.

If you are facing a divorce and are not sure where to turn first, your Illinois divorce attorney is best situated to give you the advice that you need. Contact our office and make an appointment today so that you can begin on the path to your new life.