Does Adultery Affect my Alimony?

Oct 19, 2018

Adultery is a relatively common and it is often a factor in a married couple choosing to dissolve their partnership. Many view such indiscretions as a violation of their trust and an indication of a lack of respect their partner has for them and their relationship. For those who are considering or are going through a divorce as a result of infidelity, this article will explain whether adultery can affect alimony and why you should get a divorce attorney.

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. It is typically awarded when one spouse requires financial assistance to support themselves and/or their children. Whether alimony will be awarded depends on multiple factors, including the length of the marriage, educational degrees received during the relationship, children, standard of living, earning capacity, assets, and expenses.

In New York, simply committing adultery may not directly impact a court’s decision to award alimony, though it is an instance of marital fault. However, if the offending spouse spent substantial marital funds on an affair, that may be taken into account as a wasteful dissipation of marital assets. As a result, the circumstances surrounding adulterous behavior can potentially affect an alimony determination. Of course, it can be difficult to receive necessary spousal support without the help of a dedicated New York City divorce lawyer.

Divorce can be an exhausting and emotionally fraught process, making it incredibly helpful to have an objective attorney serving as your advocate. Many people wind up with the short end of the stick because they choose not to hire a divorce attorney, believing their spouse will proceed fairly and cordially. Divorce cases can be highly contentious, particularly when one or both individuals are at fault. Adultery can be sufficient grounds for an at-fault divorce, and if you find yourself involved in such a case, an experienced divorce lawyer can be essential. Their in-depth knowledge of the law and legal procedures can help ensure that your interests are properly protected. A divorce attorney in New York City can guide you through this often painful and complicated process.

If you reside in New York City and believe you may require the services of a New York City divorce attorney, contact the Levitsky Law Firm. Their experienced and knowledgeable lawyers can help you pursue the alimony you may be entitled to receive.