Question:

I just found out my wife of 9 1/2 years has been carrying on a relationship with my best friend since before we were married. I am worried that despite her infidelity, I will be hosed when it comes to child support, alimony, visitation, etc.

What can I do to protect my retirement accounts and time with children?

Answer:

Many states consider infidelity if a party contests the actual divorce and when determining alimony.

Sometimes, infidelity is a complete bar to alimony if the party requesting it cheated. Other times, the affair becomes important if your wife exposed your children to this man and her affair. If that’s the case, then it may negatively affect her co-parenting time.

Also, if your wife used marital funds to fund the affair, then that may be important when the marital estate is divided.

Once you have a consultation scheduled, thoroughly review your financial situation and bring any proof of the affair with you to the consultation, including questionable spending and other potential proof such as photographs. An attorney can walk you through the four main issues of alimony, division of marital estate, child support and child custody.

Most states are now encouraging rather than limiting the amount of co-parenting time for fathers. A firm that only represents clients in domestic matters can best help analyze your situation and develop a game plan moving forward.

Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than tips on your situation, so please consult a domestic litigation attorney in your area to obtain specific advice as to the laws in your state and how they impact your potential case.

To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, contact Cordell & Cordell.