Dating during divorce is not illegal, but many divorce lawyers advise their clients not to date during divorce—or to only do so in a way that is respectful of your soon-to-be ex-spouse and your children, if any. Dating during divorce may create the perception with the court (judge) that your extra-marital dating caused the breakup of the marriage and may influence the court’s division of property (assets), temporary spousal support (during the divorce), spousal support, spousal maintenance, or alimony following the divorce, and child custody decisions.

Dating during divorce may cause the court to question your judgment—especially if the court believes exposing your children to your new relationship may be mentally and emotionally difficult or harmful to them—making it necessary for the court to order the spouses not to have overnight guests (dates) when they have custody or possession of the children during the divorce process.

In Iowa, dating during divorce is not prohibited by law, but it can have legal implications. Attorneys often advise clients to be cautious about dating while their divorce is pending. The court may consider dating behavior when making decisions about property division, spousal support, and child custody. If the court perceives that dating has negatively impacted the marriage or the children, it may influence the court's rulings. For example, the court might view dating as a factor that contributed to the breakdown of the marriage, which could affect the equitable distribution of assets. Additionally, if the court believes that a parent's dating life is detrimental to the children's well-being, it may impose restrictions, such as prohibiting overnight guests while the children are present. It's important for individuals going through a divorce in Iowa to be aware of how their personal conduct could be perceived by the court and how it might impact the legal outcomes of their divorce.