In short
The Just Divorced Singles guides are for adults dating again after a divorce or separation, and for people dating someone who has been through one. They cover knowing when you're ready, rebounds, trust after infidelity, dating while separated, online dating after years away, first dates and dating in your 50s and 60s. Start with the guide on whether you're ready to date.
If you're still wondering whether it's too soon, start with how to tell if you're ready to date. If you've decided to try, online dating after years away explains what has changed since you last dated, and your first date after a long marriage helps you plan the first one. Each guide stands on its own, so read them in any order.
Where to start, depending on where you are
Pick the line that sounds most like you. Every guide is written for adults dating after a marriage ends, and none of them assumes you're in a hurry.
| If you're... | Start with |
|---|---|
| Recently separated and unsure about dating | Ready to date again? |
| Separated, divorce not final, wanting to date | Dating while separated |
| Back online after a long marriage | Online dating after years away |
| Nervous about a first date | Your first date after a long marriage |
| In your 50s or 60s | Dating after divorce over 50 |
| Seeing someone who is divorced | Dating someone who is divorced |
| A parent wondering about the kids | Dating with children |
Working out whether you're ready
- How to tell if you're ready to date after divorce: the signs you may be ready, the signs to wait a little, and low-pressure ways to test the water.
- Rebound relationships after divorce: how to tell: how to spot a rebound in yourself or a new partner, and what to do about it.
- Trusting someone new after your spouse was unfaithful: telling caution from fear, what to share with a new partner and when to get help.
Starting again: profiles, first dates and your ex
- Online dating after years away: what has changed: photos, profiles, video calls, paying, privacy and scams, explained for anyone who hasn't dated in years.
- Your first date after a long marriage: planning, conversation, paying and ending the date, plus the safety basics.
- How much to say about your ex on a date: what to say early on, what to save for later and how to change the subject kindly.
- Dating while separated: explaining where things stand: how to describe your situation on your profile and on dates, sharing a house, and the legal points to check first.
Later life, and dating someone who is divorced
- Dating after divorce in your 50s and 60s: adult children, wills, pensions and benefits, health, living apart together and staying safe.
- Dating someone who is divorced: what helps: what to expect from exes, children, schedules and money, and the green and red flags.
Staying safe, and protecting your money
People dating after a divorce can be targets for romance scams, especially if a settlement or house sale has left them with savings. Two pages cover this:
- Romance scams that target people after divorce: the usual scripts, the warning signs and where to report in the US and UK.
- Staying safe when you start dating again: separating accounts from your ex, first meetings, protecting your children and reporting problems.
If you have children, the children section covers dating as a single parent, co-parenting, introducing a new partner and blended families.
Questions people ask
How soon after divorce should you start dating?
There is no set waiting time, legal or otherwise. Signs you may be ready include being able to talk about your ex without the conversation taking over, wanting company rather than rescue, and having a life you'd want to share. Our readiness guide lists the signs to look for and the signs to wait a little longer.
Can I date before my divorce is final?
Dating while separated is legal in the US and the UK, and many people do it. Be honest with the people you meet about where things stand, and ask your own lawyer whether a new relationship could matter to money or arrangements for children while those are still being decided.
Where should I start if I haven't dated in decades?
Start with the guide on online dating after years away, which explains photos, profiles, video calls and paying for a membership. Then read the first-date guide for planning the first meeting, and the safety guide before you meet anyone you've only spoken to online.