Infidelity can break trust and ruin relationships, but its effects go beyond just emotions. When cheating leads to divorce, especially in cases with many assets, the financial impact can be huge. Cheating can significantly affect your finances, from splitting property to alimony and child custody. Let’s look at how infidelity can impact your money during a divorce.
How does adultery impact property division?
In Pennsylvania, cheating does not directly affect property division during a divorce. The state uses an equitable distribution model, meaning they divide the marital assets fairly, not always equally. But infidelity can indirectly affect property division in several ways:
- If a cheating spouse uses marital funds on an affair partner, the court may give the wronged spouse more assets to make up for it.
- Divorce can reveal hidden assets or secret accounts used for an affair, which might change how property is divided.
- The emotional impact of cheating may lead to quick decisions or agreements that result in an unfair split of assets.
Remember, while cheating itself doesn’t decide property division, its financial effects can be significant. Always talk to a lawyer to know your rights and options.
Will cheating affect alimony payments?
Unlike with property division, cheating can affect alimony in Pennsylvania. The courts consider marital misconduct when deciding alimony. This means:
- If you cheated, you might pay more alimony.
- If your spouse was the one who cheated, you could get more alimony.
- The court may consider how long and severe the affair was.
However, adultery is just one of 17 factors for alimony. Courts also look at each spouse’s earning ability, how long the marriage lasted, and the standard of living, among other things.
What should you do to protect your finances?
Handling finances after infidelity can double the stress and overwhelm for you. However, having a dependable lawyer guide you about Pennsylvania’s divorce laws can give you the confidence to pursue your case. They find hidden assets, ensure fair property division, and fight for fair alimony. With the right legal help, you can secure your financial future, even during a tough divorce due to infidelity.