If you decide to end your marriage, it may be after enduring months or even years of incompatibility, resentment, and/or betrayal. One of the most painful causes of divorce is infidelity. Discovering that your spouse is cheating on you can be a traumatic and complicated event in your life. It is up to you to decide if you want to enforce your boundaries and pursue a divorce. A St. Charles divorce lawyer can help you figure out your next steps.

If you ultimately choose to get a divorce, that is your decision to make. It is understandable to want to end your marriage after discovering your partner’s infidelity. During this trying time, you may want to consider reaching out to an experienced divorce lawyer for help in building a case and learning what your options may be. You don’t want to end up being taken advantage of by your spouse.

Hire the Right Lawyer

One of the most important decisions you make for your divorce is hiring the right lawyer to manage your case and provide you with consistent advice throughout. In cases involving marital infidelity, it is not uncommon for divorces to turn ugly and personal very quickly. The right lawyer’s help can prove to be indispensable. 

At Stange Law Firm, our multi-state legal team can give your case the personalized and focused approach it deserves. We know what kind of help you need.

Throughout this situation, it may benefit you to understand the rates of marriage and divorce in your state. At the very least, it can validate your decision to end your marriage. According to recent statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Missouri has a high divorce rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents as of 2023. The state’s marriage rate is quite low at just 5.8 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Getting divorced due to your partner’s infidelity can be particularly damaging to your mental and emotional health. To help yourself heal, you may want to consider reaching out to a local divorce support group like Singles Again or DivorceCare. Surrounding yourself with people who may be going through similar situations can be beneficial to your mental health. It can be good to have a judgment-free zone where you can voice your fears and hopes about your divorce.

Dealing With Infidelity

It can be very hard to deal with infidelity in your marriage. Getting divorced can be the result of such behavior. It is important not to blame yourself. You should engage in healthy behaviors that encourage growth. You don’t want this to negatively affect your future relationships. There are a number of potential healthy coping strategies you may want to use to start moving past this.

  • One important thing you can do is develop a strong support system. Take comfort in your loved ones who want to see you get through this relatively unscathed. Surround yourself with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who want to be there for you. You might want to take some time to reach out to old friends you may have lost touch with over the years. You can never have enough support, especially when you are hurting.
  • Another thing you may want to consider doing is confronting your former spouse, if you have not done so already. You may have ended things without a proper conversation, and that may have been what you wanted. However, for the sake of closure, you may want to consider speaking to them about how their actions have affected you.

FAQs

Q: How Are Assets Divided in a Missouri Divorce?

A: In a Missouri divorce, assets are always divided according to the equitable distribution method. This method makes sure that the marital assets are divided equally between both spouses. Fair does not always mean the division will be equal, and the court will have to look through both spouses’ financial situations to ensure the split is as fair as possible. Your lawyer can help you fight for your share.

Q: How Long Will My Divorce Take?

A: Unfortunately, there is no way to tell how long your divorce will take, even when proceedings have begun. Every divorce is different, with every divorce having its own contributing factors that will directly influence the amount of time it takes to finalize. If your spouse is contesting it, it will likely take much longer than it normally would. Ultimately, every divorce takes as long as it needs to take.

Q: Will Infidelity Affect My Divorce in Missouri?

A: Infidelity can potentially affect your divorce in Missouri in multiple ways. While Missouri is a no-fault state, proving infidelity can impact asset division and spousal support. The family court tends to view infidelity poorly, as it can often prove poor judgment and can negatively impact the well-being of any children you may have. If you can prove that your spouse used marital funds to finance an affair, it can adjust asset division in your favor.

Q: Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

A: Yes, you should hire a divorce lawyer. Divorces that involve infidelity can get complicated and personal, and it may be good for you to have legal help on your side during all of this. You don’t want to end up being taken advantage of by your spouse. Having a lawyer in your corner can provide you with peace of mind that your case is being handled professionally.

Reach Out to a Divorce Lawyer Today

When you find out your spouse has cheated, it can make you rethink your entire marriage. You do not want to make any costly mistakes during your divorce because you were too emotional to focus. At Stange Law Firm, we can help you put a strong case together and make sure you have a chance to work through your divorce without losing significant assets. Contact our law firm to speak to someone about your case.