Dating during marital separation

About Divorce and Separation

A "separation" is when a couple decides to live apart from each other because the relationship has broken down. The couple may be married, or they may be unmarried but living together like a married couple in a common-law relationship. A "divorce" is when a court officially ends a marriage. Only legally married couples can divorce. Under Canada's Constitution, the federal, provincial and territorial governments share responsibility for family law.

REGISTER TO VIEW

Separation is a legally recognized parting of spouses or the agreed end of cohabitation when the husband or wife leaves the marital home. It can be cited as the grounds for divorce after spouses have been separated for a period of one year. Your separation agreement is critical though because if the timing of the relationship comes into question during your divorce your relationship may be considered as an affair or adultery. You should ensure that you are legally separated before you start dating, otherwise your new relationship could be considered adultery. You will want to have the separation agreement signed before you start dating, to make things clear. Find out more about what a separation agreement should contain. Consider whether dating will affect the relationship you have with your ex.

REGISTER TO VIEW

Dating during the divorce is a much more complicated matter. Although, in most cases the law in Ontario requires a couple to separate for a period of at least one year, before being eligible to apply for divorce; beginning or continuing an extra-marital relationship during that time is not advisable.

REGISTER TO VIEW

Is Dating While Separated Appropriate? Five Things To Consider

So you and your spouse are separated. Your spouse is living somewhere else. Agree to abstain from dating if you are trying to reconcile. In most of these cases, dating outside of the couple renders reconciliation impossible. Most couples seeking reconciliation benefit from seeking professional help to try restoring their marriage and limiting dating to each other.

REGISTER TO VIEW

REGISTER TO VIEW