The act of marital infidelity can introduce complexities into dissolution proceedings. While it may be a deeply personal and emotional event, its legal ramifications vary significantly based on jurisdiction and specific circumstances. The extent to which infidelity impacts the outcome of a divorce case often depends on whether the state adheres to a no-fault or fault-based divorce system.
Historically, marital misconduct held greater weight in divorce settlements. However, the rise of no-fault divorce laws in many jurisdictions has diminished the direct influence of infidelity on property division and spousal support. The focus has shifted to equitable distribution of assets acquired during the marriage and consideration of factors like earning capacity and contributions to the marriage when determining support.