Adulterers across the globe are growing  frantic with the news of the recent data breach of the married dating website “Ashley Madison”. This breach may potentially expose partners who thought they were pursuing affairs under full anonymity.  As this story unfolds, whether you might be the cheater or you suspect you’ve been cheated on, it’s important to talk to legal counsel to explore what your options are and hear what the next steps should be.

While adultery is not a direct factor in dissolutions of marriage in Florida, it may become relevant in certain circumstances, although the burden of proof is high.  Consideration may be granted in terms of “moral fitness” of a parent, which the courts can consider when making time-sharing decisions regarding children.  A showing that the infidelity adversely affected the child(ren), however, is required.  Additionally, it may affect equitable distribution, specifically in circumstances where there is proof that marital funds were used on the spouse’s paramour.  Florida Statute includes adultery as a possible factor in determining alimony award, but there must be a showing that the infidelity directly impacted the other spouse’s alimony need.

Adultery can result in loss of trust, and possibly, the end of a relationship.  For divorce, this can easily translate to more contentious, and therefore, emotional, expensive and lengthy proceedings.

Click below to read more about the date breach and see what it could mean for the users affected.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/20/9006213/ashley-madisons-data-breach-is-everyones-problem