Are you getting a divorce and thinking about downloading that Tinder app? If you experiment with a Tinder account to see what’s out there, will it hurt your Pennsylvania divorce? First, let’s take a closer look at what Tinder is.
According to Tinder’s website: “With 30 billion matches to date, Tinder® is the world’s most popular app for meeting new people. Think of us as your most dependable wingmate—wherever you go, we’ll be there. If you’re here to meet new people, expand your social network, meet locals when you’re traveling, or just live in the now, you’ve come to the right place.”
The allure of Tinder for divorcing folks is real, especially for people who are leaving long relationships or who’ve been in lonely marriages. But can creating a Tinder account affect your divorce case? Read on as we answer this question.
Importance of Being ‘Separated’
The Pennsylvania courts frown heavily upon adultery during marriage. If a spouse cheats while married, they can be barred from receiving spousal support (alimony), which they would otherwise be entitled to. So, this brings us to the issue of “dating” or meeting people on dating apps like Tinder.
Can you date during a Pennsylvania divorce? Yes, it is possible, but you have to make sure you’re separated beforehand. Otherwise, it can be counted as adultery for divorce purposes. If you want to create a Tinder account or go on another dating app, make sure you’re physically separated first. Meaning, make sure you’re no longer living with your spouse and you’re living under two different roofs.
One year is a long time to be separated before you can get a divorce. Many people don’t want to wait a full year to take a dip in the dating pool. To prevent your dating from impacting your divorce in a negative way, follow this advice:
- Make sure you are separated before you even think about dating again. This means living in separate households.
- Sever your financial ties. Close joint bank accounts and credit cards and switch the titles of the vehicles so they are in one spouse’s name alone.
- Do not sleep with your spouse.
- Do not go out on “date nights” with your spouse or portray that you’re still married. In other words, tell people that you’re getting a divorce; make it public.
Being separated is very important. If you’re still living with your spouse and sleeping with them and you start hooking up with people on Tinder or another dating app like Bumble, Hinge, or Plenty of Fish, it can be considered adultery and it can harm your divorce case.
