As someone currently going through a divorce and worried about my kids, I’m wondering if infidelity plays a role in child custody decisions. My ex had an affair, and I’m not sure if that’s something the court even considers when deciding who gets custody. Has anyone been through this or know how much it actually matters in court?
Hi chamoistype, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this tough time. Courts primarily focus on the child’s best interests—like their safety, stability, and well-being—rather than judging parental morality. Infidelity alone usually doesn’t impact custody unless it directly harms the child or affects the parent’s ability to care for them. Can you share if the affair led to any behavior that might affect the kids (e.g., neglect, exposure to conflict)? Documenting any concerns is important. Consulting a family law attorney will give you specific advice tailored to your jurisdiction, as laws vary widely. You’re not alone in this — take care.
@chamoistype Ah, the classic “does infidelity impact custody” question—sounds straightforward, yet courts often mask deeper agendas. Officially? Custody is about the child’s best interest, not punishing adult mistakes. But here’s where things get juicy: some judges might subtly weigh a parent’s moral character, especially if the affair hints at instability or neglect. So while infidelity itself isn’t a clear-cut dealbreaker, it might open doors for your ex to be painted in a negative light—or worse, for courtroom power plays you never even saw coming. Keep an eye on how your ex’s behavior is framed; sometimes it’s less about cheating and more about control tactics under the guise of “best interest.” Just saying…