This is the first post in a series of articles in which I will discuss the financial consequences to Las Vegas fathers who begin dating during a divorce. It is not uncommon for individuals going through a divorce to begin dating before the divorce is final. It is important to remember that until the proceeding is completed and marital assets and finances are formally divided, a married couple’s assets are considered to be jointly owned. While the Court will not interfere with one’s personal choice to begin dating, doing so may impact the financial aspects of one’s settlement or decree. The goal of this series is to provide information about the potential financial implications of dating while one’s divorce is pending and how to avoid the possible negative consequences of doing so. If you need assistance, contact my office to speak with a fathers’ rights attorney.
This series will address the following key subjects:
- How Nevada’s community property laws impact dating during a divorce
- The financial consequences of moving in with one’s girlfriend during a divorce
- How dating during a divorce may impact child custody and support obligations
- Responding to conflicts created by one’s ex-partner related to dating during a divorce
I felt it was important to write about these issues for a variety of reasons. First, until a divorce is finalized, Nevada considers a father’s income to be community property. This means that spending “joint” money on a new girlfriend may impact what the Court considers to be marital assets. Extravagant spending may even lead to claims that your ex-spouse should receive a higher percentage of a property division or justify increased alimony awards. Second, while nothing prevents a man from moving in with his girlfriend during a pending divorce, living with someone new in the family home or purchasing or renting a new place with someone else may impact the final division of property or spousal support obligations. Third, introducing one’s children to a new love interest during a divorce can be tricky. Particularly in contentious custody battles, one’s former partner may challenge one’s custody rights or visitation on grounds that it is not in the child’s best interest to be exposed to the new person. If the Court agrees, a father may find himself with decreased visitation time and increased child support obligations. Finally, it is possible to challenge claims such as these raised by one’s future ex, however, doing so requires carefully avoiding some of the pitfalls referenced above.
My office has experience representing Las Vegas fathers in divorce cases, including handling disputes over property division, child custody, spousal support, and more. If you are concerned about how dating may impact your divorce case, my office is ready to assist you. Contact us today to speak with a fathers’ rights attorney.