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 Louisiana, dating during divorce is not prohibited by law, but it can have legal implications. Attorneys often advise clients to be cautious about dating before the divorce is finalized. The court may perceive that dating contributed to the breakdown of the marriage, which could affect the division of assets, spousal support, and alimony. Additionally, if children are involved, the court may scrutinize the parent's judgment regarding the exposure of children to new relationships. This scrutiny could influence child custody decisions and may lead to restrictions such as prohibiting overnight guests when the children are present. It's important for individuals going through a divorce in Louisiana to consider these potential consequences and to consult with their attorney about the best course of action.