Can I date before I'm legally divorced?

Divorce and dating is an area where there are few solid ground rules. Whether or not you can and should go on a date before your divorce is final depends on a few different things:

• Are you involved in a custody battle? If so, while going on a date won't necessarily disqualify you, it will also not necessarily paint you as the most concerned and devoted parent. Think about how your actions look and how they will impact the court's decision on what is best for your child before you act
• Are you involved in a fault divorce? Most people opt for no fault divorces these days, so adultery isn't an issue. If you are involved in a fault divorce, though, then dating while married (adultery) can become a bigger problem
• Are you legally separated? Some states recognize legal separation, which is sort of a pre-divorce state

The best thing to do, before you go out on a date during your divorce, is to consult with a lawyer. Your attorney can let you know whether your actions might be doing you harm or not.