Dos and Don’t If You Suspect A Cheating Spouse

Few things can rock a marriage as much as when one spouse suspects the other is having an affair. The doubts, insecurities, and feelings of betrayal that often result are among the leading factors in divorce. If you suspect adultery is an issue in your relationship, it is important to be aware of dos and don’ts regarding any potential actions you take.

What To Do If You Think Your Spouse Is Having An Affair

All couples go through occasional times of conflict in their marriage. However, when one of the parties considers roaming or actually starts having an affair, it can quickly lead to divorce proceedings.

According to studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adultery on the part of one of the spouses is a factor in over half of all divorce filings. If you have concerns about whether your partner is considering an affair or is currently cheating, it is important to take a few steps to protect yourself:

• Carefully consider why you suspect your partner is committing adultery;
• Keep a journal detailing specific events, such as mysterious phone calls, being overly secretive about social media accounts, or changes in schedule and unexplained absences from home.
• Review your bank accounts and credit cards for unfamiliar charges, such as items purchased at stores you do not usually shop at, outings such as dinners or movies you did not attend, or overnight hotel stays.
• Talk to a trusted friend or a counselor about what is going on in your marriage, your suspicions about your spouse, and how you feel about the entire situation.

What NOT To Do If You Suspect Adultery

Even the mere suspicion that your spouse is having an affair can be devastating to your self-esteem and overall mental health. While it is important to share your feelings with someone you can trust, it is also important to be practical in how you handle the situation.

You are not required under the Florida Statutes to name specific fault grounds for a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, but marital misconduct on the part of your spouse could impact divorce proceedings. Depending on the situation, it may influence awards of alimony payments or a greater share of any marital property and assets. It may also factor into any child time sharing arrangements that are made. To protect your rights, it is important to NOT do the following:

• Ignore the situation;
• Make accusations during heated arguments with your spouse;
• Fail to gather evidence;
• Have an affair of your own in spite;
• Begin reconciling with your spouse if they admit the affair without discussing the potential legal ramifications with an experienced attorney first.

Let Us Help You Today

As an experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney, Vanessa L. Prieto understands how devastating it is to live with suspicions or uncover evidence that a spouse is cheating. She provides the trusted legal guidance you need during this difficult time, helping to ensure your rights are protected. To discuss your options, call or contact our office online and request a confidential consultation today.