Although not everyone who discovers an unfaithful spouse wants to end their marriage, infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce in Pasadena.
If your spouse has cheated on you, do not rush into big decisions right away. Find out if your spouse's infidelity was a one-time mistake or an ongoing betrayal. Take time to process your feelings by talking to a close friend, a therapist, or a religious leader. Visit a doctor to be tested for STDs. Give yourself permission to take care of your emotional and physical needs before you worry about your marriage.
Many experts recommend waiting six months to one year before making major decisions such as whether or not you should divorce. However, this doesn't mean you should just let things continue as they are. Sleeping in separate rooms or having one person move out is the best choice. If you have children and/or require spousal support to maintain a separate residence, a legal separation might be a good option to consider. It addresses the same issues you'd have to decide if you were getting divorced, but leaves the option for reconciliation open. Some couples even obtain a legal separation while going to couples therapy in the hopes that they can work past their differences.
If you decide to divorce, be advised that all states now have no-fault divorce laws. Your spouse's infidelity won't affect the division of assets. He or she will still be entitled to the same protection under California's community property laws. However, infidelity may affect child custody if your spouse has been neglecting the children or exposing them to dangerous situations in pursuit of the extramarital relationship. Infidelity could also affect alimony payments if your spouse has given you an STD that requires ongoing medical treatment.
How Can We Help?
If you need to find a qualified attorney to handle your divorce or legal separation, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our Pasadena matrimonial law firm is staffed with skilled attorneys who can provide the representation you need to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.