Does it Matter if My spouse had an Affair in a Florida Divorce?

Most states are “no-fault” divorce states. This traditional grounds (or reasons) like adultery, cruelty, or abandonment are not required to obtain a divorce. Simply state your reason for divorce and the court will accept it.

That doesn’t mean, however that bad behavior is without consideration in your divorce.

Under Florida’s Equitable Distribution Statute 61.075, any “marital waste” suffered as a result of your spouse’s behavior (after or within 2 years prior to filing for divorce) can be considered in the distribution of assets in your divorce.

For example, if your spouse spent extreme amounts of money gambling, on drug use, or extramarital affairs a court could consider these facts in distributing your assets and liabilities for the purposes of equitable distribution.

In extreme cases, proven marital waste could lead a judge to order an unequal equitable distribution (meaning you get more than your fair share of distribution). However, you must request unequal distribution based on marital waste to receive it.

So, yes. In some cases, your spouse’s extramarital affair or the waste of marital assets could impact the outcome of your divorce.

For more on how marital waste can impact your divorce and divorce settlement, click here to download our free guide How to Avoid an Unfair Divorce Settlement.

Whether you’re facing a challenging divorce trial or expect a quick divorce settlement, working with an experienced divorce attorney who understands the intricacies of family law is vital to obtain the most favorable outcome possible in divorce.

To determine whether or not your divorce case involves a valid claim for marital waste, click here to request a consultation or call 407-872-3161 to speak with one of our Orlando Divorce Attorneys today.