Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers | October 22, 2024 | Divorce
Infidelity can shake the foundation of any relationship. It’s a form of betrayal that causes immense emotional pain and a loss of trust, leading many to wonder if it’ll mean the end of their marriage. But the question of whether infidelity and divorce always go hand in hand involves a more complicated answer than a simple yes or no.
When one partner learns their spouse has been unfaithful, they’re bound to experience a whirlwind of emotions. The first thought for many might be to file for divorce, feeling as though their trust has been broken beyond repair. However, an affair doesn’t always spell doom for a marriage.
Couples respond in different ways, and some marriages are able to recover. In fact, many couples come out stronger after an affair. It sounds counterintuitive, but for those willing to work through the situation, infidelity can be a turning point that leads to better communication and a renewed commitment.
On the other hand, it’s a deal breaker in some relationships that leaves no room for argument. In those cases, divorce is the natural next step.
Several factors determine whether an affair leads to a divorce, including the following:
Type of Infidelity
Whether a cheating spouse’s actions destroy their marriage then and there depends on the level of intimacy, how long the affair lasted, and whether it was kept a secret. Some people are more willing to forgive a single incident than a long-term affair. However, emotional affairs might feel like a deeper betrayal than a one-night stand for others.
Communication and Reconciliation Efforts
Some couples choose to go to counseling or therapy to understand what led to the affair and figure out if they can salvage their relationship. As long as both partners are willing to put in the effort, many marriages can be saved. In Bergen County, several marriage counselors apply their services in the aftermath of infidelity.
State of the Marriage Before the Affair
Pre-existing issues in a marriage tend to trigger affairs, and they could involve anything from a lack of emotional connection to an unsolved argument. If the couple was already struggling, infidelity might be the tipping point that leads to divorce. Relationships that were otherwise strong have a better chance of recovering.
Cultural, Religious, and Personal Beliefs
For some people, their belief systems discourage adultery and divorce, and they might be more inclined to try to make the relationship work despite an affair. For others, infidelity is seen as an unforgivable breach of trust and beliefs that justifies an immediate separation.
Legal Considerations
In New Jersey, infidelity can be used as grounds for a divorce. However, citing adultery in divorce doesn’t necessarily mean a more favorable outcome for the spouse who didn’t cheat. New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means most divorces fall under “irreconcilable differences” as opposed to handing out blame for the breakdown of the marriage.
Even when adultery is involved, the court’s main focus is to fairly distribute assets and solve issues like child support. They aren’t concerned about punishing the unfaithful partner. Anyone considering a divorce due to infidelity should, therefore, talk to an experienced family law attorney for guidance on how the affair might affect the outcome of your case.
A Crossroad, But Not Always the End
Ultimately, whether an affair leads to a divorce depends on the couple. Some marriages can be salvaged, while others have no hope of staying together. Every relationship is different, though, which means infidelity doesn’t always have to cause a marriage to fall apart.
Contact the Bergen County Family and Divorce Law Firm of Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers for more help
Contact the experienced family attorneys at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers today for legal assistance. Visit our law office in Bergen County or give us a call at (201) 487-1199 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Bergen County Law Office
1 University Plaza Dr #400, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States