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Note that answers given in this section cannot take the place of independent, legal or financial advice. Please read our disclaimer.

"I've just separated from my husband.  Will my divorce be affected if I date other people?"

Legally, it does not. It will not have any impact whatsoever on the issues of alimony, on the issues of child support, on the issues of equitable distribution. However, I advise my clients that from an emotional standpoint, and a psychological standpoint, to stay low and have a low profile. It certainly does not enhance your settlement negotiations if one of the two of you are dating other people. It can also have a negative impact upon the children, who are already going through a divorce with their parents. What they don’t need is a third party in their lives. So, from a legal standpoint, its okay to date. From a psychological and emotional standpoint, I don’t recommend it.

William M. Laufer heads the matrimonial department of Laufer, Dalena, Cadicina, Jensen & Boyd, LLC in Morristown, NJ. He has been certified by the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys as a divorce mediator and has worked in the mediation process for over seven years. He can be reached at (973) 285-1444. View his Divorce Magazine profile.