Child Custody

How Do I Address Infidelity During My Divorce?

Divorce is inherently challenging, but infidelity introduces additional emotional turmoil. If you’re facing the complexities of a divorce stemming from infidelity and feel uncertain about managing it both emotionally and legally, SLG Family Law is here for you. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies for addressing infidelity during a divorce and moving forward positively with your life.

Addressing Infidelity in Your Divorce Proceedings

Infidelity can have a significant impact on the outcome of your divorce, especially in the state of Illinois. Illinois is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning neither party must prove fault or wrongdoing to file for divorce. However, if infidelity was a factor in the breakdown of the marriage, it can still affect issues such as division of assets and spousal support.

In Illinois, infidelity can also be considered grounds for “dissipation of marital assets,” which means that one spouse used marital funds or assets for their benefit during the affair. This can result in a larger share of assets being awarded to the innocent spouse.

It’s important to note that proving infidelity can be challenging. Therefore, the best thing you can do regarding the legal proceedings of your divorce is to consult with an experienced family law attorney to understand how infidelity may affect your situation.

Addressing Infidelity’s Toll on Your Emotions

Dealing with infidelity during a divorce can be emotionally overwhelming, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and seek support from people you love. Here are some tips for coping with infidelity during your divorce:

• Allow yourself to grieve: The betrayal and loss of trust that comes with infidelity can bring up strong emotions. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and healthily work through them.
• Don’t make impulsive decisions: Emotions can run high during a divorce, especially when infidelity is a factor. Avoid making any rash decisions that you may regret later.
• Focus on your well-being: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally during this difficult time. This may involve exercise, healthy eating, therapy, or spending time with supportive friends and family.
• Consider mediation: If possible, resolve your divorce through mediation instead of a contentious court battle. This can help minimize conflict and allow for more amicable negotiations.

Moving Forward

While dealing with infidelity during a divorce can seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that there is life after divorce and infidelity. Here are some tips for moving forward positively:

• Seek closure: Closure doesn’t always come as an apology or explanation from your ex-spouse. Instead, find closure within yourself by accepting what happened and focusing on your future.
• Practice forgiveness: Forgiving your ex-spouse can be difficult and ongoing, but it’s essential for your emotional well-being. Holding onto anger will prevent you from healing.
• Set boundaries: If you have children with your ex-spouse, it’s important to establish clear boundaries regarding communication and co-parenting. This can help minimize conflict and create a healthier environment for everyone involved.
• Focus on the present: It’s natural to dwell on the past during a divorce, but try to shift your focus towards the present and future. Set new goals for yourself and work towards building a happy and fulfilling life.

Seek Support from Our Trusted Professionals

Dealing with infidelity can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek support from trusted professionals, such as experienced family law attorneys and therapists, who can provide guidance and help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and understanding. Remember, while infidelity may have caused your marriage to end, it doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. With proper support and self-care, you can move forward and create a brighter future for yourself.  

If you need legal support during your divorce, contact SLG Family Law. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide personalized support and solutions tailored to your needs.