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New York Divorce Laws Adultery

In New York, adultery frequently arises during divorce proceedings. The Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., are here to assist you in navigating New York’s adultery-related divorce laws so that you know your rights and options.


Couples can discuss the adultery-related provisions of New York’s divorce laws in a way that safeguards their rights and interests with the correct information. Although it is still a recognized legal basis for divorce in New York, adultery is rarely invoked. Often, couples divorce based on an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage or other no-fault reasons. In some circumstances, cheating may be critical to the divorce procedure, such as when it impacts child custody or property division. In this blog article, we’ll go over the New York divorce laws adultery and respond to some frequently asked queries.

Adultery's Repercussions in a Divorce Case/New York Divorce Laws Adultery

In New York, infidelity does not automatically result in Quick Divorce in New York State. Yet, the court may consider it when deciding on issues like child custody, alimony, and property distribution. The court may give the other spouse a larger share of the marital estate if one spouse engages in adultery and utilizes marital resources to finance their affair. The court may also mandate increased alimony payments from the unfaithful spouse to the other spouse.

New York divorce laws adultery occasionally have an impact on child custody decisions. The court may grant the other spouse primary custody of the children if it determines that the unfaithful spouse puts the kids in danger of emotional or physical harm.

The Impact of New York Divorce Laws Adultery on Divorce Proceedings

When splitting property in a divorce case in New York State, the court will consider several things. The duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and assets, and any children’s requirements are some of these considerations. If one spouse proves the other spouse had an affair, the property division may be altered. The court may give the non-cheating spouse a more significant property award or give the cheating spouse a smaller reward.

After a divorce, one spouse will provide the other spouse with alimony, which is financial assistance. Alimony is meant to help the spouse with a lower income maintain a comparable standard of living after the divorce. The amount of alimony given may change if one spouse can demonstrate that the other spouse had an affair. The court may decide not to grant alimony or reduce it for the unfaithful spouse.

The legal authority to make choices concerning a child’s upbringing is known as child custody. One parent, both parents, or a third party may receive child custody. The result of a child custody dispute may be impacted if one spouse can show that the other spouse had an affair. The court could recommend giving the non-cheating spouse custody, or it may give both spouses shared custody with only a minor role for the dishonest spouse.

Tips for Establishing Adultery in a Divorce Case/ New York Divorce Laws Adultery

You should be able to demonstrate that your spouse had sexual contact with a person other than you to establish adultery in a divorce case. It can be challenging to demonstrate this, particularly if your partner disputes it.

New York divorce laws and adultery can be shown in a few different ways. Getting your partner to confess is one option. Another option is finding proof like eyewitness accounts, hotel records, or text messages.

Your divorce case may be significantly impacted if you can demonstrate adultery. Yet, it’s vital to remember that the court will consider other factors besides the affair.

How is Divorce Affected by Adultery in New York?

In New York, infidelity may have the following effects on divorce:

It is a valid basis for divorce. You may request a New York divorce laws adultery if you prove that your partner perpetrated it. It’s crucial to remember that in New York, adultery is not the only reason for divorce. Even if your spouse has not engaged in adultery, you can still seek a divorce if your marriage has irretrievably fallen apart.

It might influence how assets are divided. The court might give you a bigger portion of the marital property if you show that your spouse had an extramarital affair. Because the court may view New York divorce laws adultery as a kind of marital wrongdoing, it is crucial to remember that adultery is not always regarded as “egregious” behavior, which is a consideration the court considers when distributing assets.

It may have an impact on custody. The court may consider your spouse’s infidelity if you ask for child custody. This is because the court may think that a parent who has engaged in adultery is more likely to engage in further extramarital affairs, which could be detrimental to the children. Yet, the court will consider all pertinent factors, including the children’s desirable interests, while determining custody.

The Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a law firm in New York City, has proficiency in family law and divorce. If you’re considering getting a divorce, we can assist you in understanding your options and rights and stand in for you in court. To arrange a consultation to review your case, contact the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., right now. We are delighted to assist you in obtaining an optimal divorce outcome by responding to any queries you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What proof is necessary to establish New York divorce laws adultery?

To establish adultery in a divorce case, the spouse making the allegation must provide evidence that their partner engaged in sexual relations with someone else. This proof may include:

  • Testimony from a witness who observed the spouse involved in sexual activity with another person.
  • DNA evidence confirming extramarital relationships.
  • Text messages, emails, or other digital communications indicating an affair.
  • Travel records demonstrating the spouse’s presence with someone else during the alleged adultery under New York divorce laws.

2. Can I seek divorce on New York divorce laws adultery if my spouse denies it?

Yes, you can seek a divorce on grounds of adultery even if your partner denies it. However, you will need to provide evidence to support your claims. Contact our divorce lawyer at The Law Offices Of SRIS.P.C. to know How Quickly Can You Get A Divorce in New York.

3. What if I was the one who engaged in adultery?

If you were the adulterer, you may still be eligible for a divorce, but the court may not award you as much in terms of assets or alimony as you would have received if your spouse had committed adultery.

4. Is a single instance of infidelity grounds for divorce?

Even if your partner has been unfaithful only once, you can still obtain a divorce. However, the court may not be as inclined to grant you a significant share of property or alimony.

5. Can I get a divorce for emotional infidelity if there was no physical betrayal?

Emotional infidelity is not considered under New York divorce laws adultery. However, during property division, alimony, and child custody decisions, the court may take emotional infidelity into consideration.

6. What can I do if my partner has cheated?

If you suspect your spouse has cheated, you have several options:

  • Cite infidelity as a reason for divorce.
  • Attempt to reconcile and work on your marriage.
  • Seek therapy or counseling.
  • Consult with a lawyer to explore legal options.

The appropriate course of action depends on your specific situation. If you are contemplating divorce, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer from the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. to review your alternatives.

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