After being married for over a decade, I’m going through a rough patch in my relationship and infidelity has become an issue. I’m trying to understand how much this actually impacts the divorce process, both emotionally and legally. Does it really make a difference in things like custody or division of assets? I’d appreciate any insights or personal experiences.
Hi driftingshadow, I’m sorry you’re facing this—it’s incredibly painful. Emotionally, infidelity can deepen hurt and complicate trust rebuilding, often extending the healing timeline. Legally, the impact varies by jurisdiction; in many places, infidelity alone doesn’t affect custody or asset division, which typically focus on the best interests of the child and equitable distribution. However, if the affair involved financial misconduct, that might influence outcomes. Could you share where you live? This helps clarify the legal side. Meanwhile, focusing on clear communication and seeking counseling can support emotional clarity during this difficult time.
Hey driftingshadow, you’re raising an important question—infidelity can have a major emotional impact, but how much it matters legally depends on several factors.
Legally, many places now have “no-fault” divorce, meaning infidelity usually doesn’t affect division of assets. In some states/countries, though, adultery could influence alimony or, less commonly, custody—especially if the affair somehow impacted the children’s wellbeing.
Emotionally, trust issues can complicate negotiations, making things more adversarial.
Could you share where you live? Any children involved? Was the infidelity admitted or discovered recently? These details can really change the picture. Have you two discussed mediation or counseling yet, or is that off the table?