Infidelity is a common reason for divorce. Finding out your partner has been unfaithful can be one of the most heartbreaking realizations of your life. They may have been feeling unhappy for quite some time, but instead of voicing these concerns and trying to work through them together, they sought comfort in someone else’s arms. A divorce lawyer can inform you of the potential consequences of infidelity in a divorce.
It’s perfectly reasonable to feel betrayed, angry, resentful, and confused after learning your partner was cheating on you. While infidelity won’t have a direct impact on your divorce since Nebraska is a no-fault divorce state, it can cause the court to question your spouse’s character and judgment. It can impact asset division, alimony, and child support if the court learns the affair was paid for with marital funds. A lawyer can help you document all relevant information.
Hiring the Right Divorce Lawyer
Infidelity can mess with your head and make you question your own judgment. The last thing you should have to worry about during your divorce is whether or not you are making the right decisions. At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with the right kind of legal help throughout your case.
Our multi-state legal team has helped countless clients across the country. We can provide you with a personalized approach to your case and offer consistent advice on any matter you may need.
You are not alone in pursuing a divorce or choosing to work things out. Either way, a lawyer can help. It’s okay to not be okay. Moving on from infidelity is one of the hardest things you can do. Your first step may be to pursue a divorce and sever ties with your ex for good. You may want to consider reaching out to a local infidelity survivors’ support group, such as Infidelity Survivors Anonymous (ISA) or Betrayed Partner Support.
Being among like-minded individuals who’ve been through something similar can be helpful to you. Talking through it can be beneficial.
How to Move Past Infidelity
Coping with a divorce isn’t easy, especially if the divorce was caused by your partner’s betrayal. There’s a chance you may never fully heal from such a violation of your boundaries. You may want to consider seeking therapy. Often, moving on from infidelity takes a deliberate decision to do so.
It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t be easy. Here are some possible tips on how to move past infidelity:
- One of the most important things you can do is surround yourself with a strong support system. You don’t have to deal with this alone. You may want to consider taking comfort in your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and even casual acquaintances. Anyone who wants to help gives you reassurance or is there for you. You can never have too much support.
- It’s also vital to your ongoing healing journey that you communicate openly and honestly. You have to tell your partner how you feel about what they’ve done to you. You may not be able to move on without addressing your grievances, as doing so can help you achieve closure.
It’s up to you to choose whether or not you want to pursue divorce or try to work things out. You may want to consult with a divorce lawyer to explore your options.
FAQs
Q: Can a Marriage Survive Infidelity?
A: That depends entirely on the marriage. With effort and commitment on both sides, it may be possible for your marriage to move past infidelity. However, it’s also perfectly understandable to feel that infidelity is a dealbreaker, regardless of whether it’s a one-time thing or an ongoing affair. If you feel that you can no longer trust your partner, you likely should move forward with a divorce.
Q: Does Infidelity Affect Divorce?
A: Generally, infidelity does not affect divorce outcomes much. Most states are no-fault divorce states, which means that you don’t need to provide a reason why your marriage has become irrevocably broken. If your partner cheats on you, it may not directly affect asset division or child custody. However, if the affair was paid for with marital funds, the court may see that as poor judgment from your partner, and that can affect certain elements of your divorce. In some states, an affair could also impact spousal maintenance. In other instances, an affair could impact child custody if the affair impacts the best interests of the children in some way.
Q: What Happens if I Have a Prenuptial Agreement?
A: If you have a prenuptial agreement in place at the time of divorce, it will dictate the terms of the process. A prenuptial agreement outlines how to divide assets, whether one spouse will receive alimony, and other related matters. If you have an infidelity clause in place, it’s possible that your spouse could end up forfeiting all claims to your property if they’ve broken that clause. You should consult with a lawyer about the strength and enforceability of the prenup.
Q: Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
A: Yes, you need to hire a divorce lawyer. A divorce is generally unpredictable and could result in serious legal trouble for you if you don’t have a lawyer. Divorces can be even more contentious and painful when they’re the result of infidelity. Having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. They can take charge of your case while you focus on healing from this betrayal and being a present parent for your children, if applicable.
Contact a Lawyer Today
At Stange Law Firm, we can help you figure out the right plan of action for your divorce. The process may be more challenging and complex than you expected, and we can help guide you through it. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.
