While divorce can take up a lot of a person’s time and energy, it doesn’t mean that their life is put on pause. Many individuals want to know, “Can you date while going through a divorce in California?” Divorce proceedings can take a long time to finalize, and you deserve to move forward with your life.
Hire a Divorce Lawyer From Hoffer Family Law Firm
Lead attorney Jeffrey Hoffer of Hoffer Family Law Firm has focused on California family law for years, helping his neighbors and community members during their most challenging times in life. His passion for his community has led him to be recognized by various leading publications in the nation.
He’s proud to be included as a part of Super Lawyers Magazine’s selection. The publication’s advisory board is committed to recognizing the top law firms in the United States, with Hoffer highlighted among them since 2015. Hoffer was also featured in Forbes Magazine as among the Ten Most Dependable Family Law Attorneys of the West. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
His goal is to help you take control of your case and work toward the most favorable outcome for you. During your consultation, you can explain your situation in full detail. From there, Hoffer can offer his honest legal advice so you can strategize together.
California’s Divorce Laws
In 2024, 7% of men living in California were divorced, with 10% of women being divorced. This is around 3,351,657 people. Divorce proceedings can take a long time, and it’s unrealistic to expect individuals to remain single during the entirety of their divorce. While you can date during your divorce process, it’s important to act appropriately to avoid unfavorable case outcomes. During your divorce, it’s recommended that you avoid:
- Posting about your new relationship on social media.
- Flaunting your new relationship to your spouse.
- Arguing with your spouse, especially about your new relationship.
- Moving in with your new partner before your case is finalized.
- Having your child around your new partner without your spouse’s explicit consent.
While you don’t need to be legally separated before filing for a divorce in California, it’s helpful to live on your own during your divorce. If you suddenly move in with someone new, it could affect how your property is divided and whether you can receive alimony.
Before doing anything, hire a skilled divorce lawyer from Hoffer Family Law Firm. During your consultation with Hoffer, explain your situation surrounding dating and a potential new partner. This is vital information that he needs to help you during your divorce case.
Once you file your case at the appropriate courthouse and serve your spouse with divorce papers, you can work together in mediation or court to resolve your divorce issues.
Other Tips to Help You Through Your Divorce Case
How you behave during your divorce case can have negative or positive impacts on the outcome of your case. Hoffer can help explain what you should or should not do during legal proceedings in and outside of the courthouse. You should not:
- Let your emotions get the better of you and avoid arguing or acting combatively with your spouse. If you do, they can use it as evidence against you, especially during child custody cases. Courts want to see parents and spouses working together to resolve their issues.
- Use your child as leverage during your case. Remember, the outcome of your divorce case not only affects you, but also affects your child’s entire life. Avoid involving them.
- Engage if your spouse wants to argue with you. Instead, send all written communication from your spouse to your attorney to use as proof.
Attorney Hoffman’s dedication to his community extends beyond the courtroom. He wrote Ending Your Marriage in California: A Guide for Divorcing Wisely to help his clients understand each step in California’s divorce process. You can order a free copy of this book through our website.
FAQs
Q: How Do Courts in California Determine Alimony?
A: Courts in California determine alimony by factoring in the age and health of both spouses, any disabilities, each spouse’s job and current income, the job market for each spouse’s field, the paying spouse’s ability to do so, tax consequences for alimony, sacrifices made during the marriage, such as giving up a career to raise children, the length of the marriage, the lifestyle during marriage, and each spouse’s ability to maintain that lifestyle after the divorce is finalized.
Q: What Assets Are Considered During Divorce in California?
A: Assets considered during divorce in California include a couple’s entire estate. This includes bank accounts and cash, income, cryptocurrency, investments and stocks, business interests, real estate, vacation and rental properties, debt, retirement accounts and IRAs, vehicles, planes, boats, collectibles, pets, and other physical belongings. It’s vital to understand the full extent of your estate so you know what to expect during your divorce case.
Q: How Is Property Divided in a California Divorce?
A: Property is divided in a California divorce by categorizing property into two ways: separate and community. Community property refers to any assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage and is divided equally between them, unless they agree on an alternative arrangement.
Separate property, which is anything acquired before the marriage, typically remains untouched during divorce unless it has commingled with community property. This can include using money gained before marriage to contribute to the marital home.
Q: What Happens to My Alimony if I Date Someone New?
A: If you start to date someone new, your alimony may be affected, depending on what you do during that relationship. Alimony orders can typically be modified if one spouse has a significant change in circumstances, such as losing their job or getting promoted at work. If you move in with a new partner, the paying spouse can request alimony to change or end. If granted, they still have to pay retroactive payments, but future payments are modified.
Advocate for Yourself With the Help of a California Divorce Attorney
Hoffer Family Law Firm helps those living throughout Los Angeles County, such as Calabasas and Long Beach, and cities in Ventura County, such as Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Contact our office in Agoura Hills today to meet with attorney Hoffer in a private consultation to discuss your situation.
