Can I Get Married While My Divorce Is In Process?

Going through a divorce is a significant life transition, and it's only natural for people to seek new relationships and companionship as they move forward. However, the question often arises: can you get married while your divorce is still in process? In this blog, we will delve into the legalities of this situation, focusing on New Jersey divorce laws, and also discuss why it might not be a good idea to jump into a new marriage before your divorce is final.

Understanding the Legalities

In New Jersey, the law is clear: you cannot be legally married to more than one person at a time. This means that attempting to get married while your divorce is still in process could lead to legal complications. The divorce process needs to be finalized, and your marital status legally terminated before you can enter into a new marriage without any legal hurdles.

While there isn't a mandated waiting period between the finalization of a divorce and entering a new marriage, it's essential to approach this decision with careful consideration. Rushing into a new marriage before your divorce is final could have potential legal and financial consequences. It's crucial to ensure that all legal requirements are met and your divorce decree is granted before proceeding with a new marriage.

Why Some People Remarry Quickly

People may have various reasons for wanting to remarry quickly after a divorce. First, divorce can leave individuals feeling emotionally vulnerable and isolated. Remarrying quickly might provide them with emotional support and a sense of companionship that helps them navigate the challenges of post-divorce life. The fear of being alone, especially after a long-term marriage, can be a significant factor. Some individuals might rush into a new marriage to avoid feelings of loneliness and uncertainty that can arise after divorce.

Some individuals might rush into a new marriage as a way to escape painful memories and reminders of their previous marriage. They might believe that a new relationship will help them move forward and create happier memories.

For some, a new marriage might symbolize a fresh start, a chance to rewrite their life story, and move beyond the pain and difficulties of their previous marriage. Cultural, family, or societal expectations can also play a role. Pressure from family, friends, or cultural norms might lead individuals to seek remarriage quickly, even if their own emotional readiness isn't aligned.

Divorce can have financial implications, and some people may see remarrying as a way to regain financial stability. They may believe that combining resources with a new partner can provide them with more financial security. Similarly, divorced parents might believe that a new marriage could provide stability and a complete family structure. This can be particularly true when children are involved, as parents may want to provide them with a stable home environment.

While these reasons may be compelling, it's important to approach remarriage thoughtfully. Rushing into a new marriage without adequate emotional healing, self-reflection, and legal considerations could lead to challenges down the road. Consulting with professionals, such as therapists and legal advisors, can offer valuable insights to help individuals make informed decisions about remarriage after divorce.

Reasons to Wait Before Remarrying 

Going through a divorce is a profound emotional journey that involves disentangling from one relationship while potentially entering into another. It's understandable that you might feel drawn to the idea of a fresh start and a new partnership. However, there are several compelling reasons to exercise caution and wait until your divorce is finalized before considering getting serious with a new partner.

Emotional Healing and Growth:

Divorce is a significant life event that can leave emotional scars. Taking the time to heal, reflect, and grow as an individual is essential before embarking on a new marriage. Rushing into a new relationship before addressing unresolved emotions from the previous marriage could reduce your emotional healing after divorce.

Protecting Your Children in Divorce:

If you have children from your previous marriage, introducing a new partner into their lives during the divorce process can be challenging for them. Children may already be grappling with the changes brought about by divorce, and adding a new parental figure prematurely could cause confusion and emotional distress.

Legal Complications of Remarrying During Divorce:

From a legal standpoint, cohabitating or getting serious with someone new before your divorce is finalized can lead to complications. It could potentially impact the division of assets, alimony, and child custody arrangements. It's essential to wait until your divorce is officially completed to ensure that your legal matters are settled without unnecessary entanglements.

Potential Repercussions:

Starting a new relationship while your divorce is ongoing might inadvertently cause tensions with your ex-spouse, potentially affecting negotiations and communication related to your divorce settlement. This can lead to unnecessary conflict and complicate the divorce process.

Fostering a Healthy Relationship:

Starting a new marriage on the foundation of a solid, healthy relationship is crucial. Rushing into a serious relationship before fully knowing your new partner and allowing time for a strong connection to develop might not provide the stability necessary for healthy relationships after divorce.

Preserving the New Relationship:

Jumping into a new partnership before resolving matters from your previous marriage could lead to unresolved emotional baggage spilling over into your new relationship. Taking the time to process your emotions, close a chapter, and establish a clean slate can contribute to a healthier and happier new partnership.

Receiving Support and Guidance During Divorce

While the allure of a new marriage may be tempting, waiting to talk about marriage until your divorce is finalized offers essential benefits for your emotional well-being, legal stability, and the success of your new relationship. Prioritize your healing, your children's adjustment, and legal compliance by allowing your divorce proceedings to conclude before considering a new marriage.

Starting a new relationship is not the only way to receive support during your divorce. Consulting a New Jersey divorce attorney can provide you with invaluable guidance during this critical phase of your life. For assistance with your NJ divorce, contact Hoffman Family Law.