Discovering that your spouse has been unfaithful can impact your life in many ways, and it is perfectly understandable to want to immediately end your marriage because of it. However, it is important that you do not let this one incident completely change your view of relationships or permanently injure your ability to trust other people. There are steps you can take to cope better with infidelity. A Bloomington divorce lawyer can help you figure things out.
As you deal with the social, legal, and emotional fallout that comes with infidelity, it is okay to feel totally overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. It is times like these that you should prioritize self-care and rely on a solid support system, among other things. Nobody who chooses to get married expects to one day get divorced. When a marriage ends because of your partner’s choices, it can feel overwhelming. Our firm can help.
Make Sure You Hire a Good Lawyer
In cases involving marital infidelity, there is a chance that the divorce is going to be contested. That is why it is so important to hire an experienced divorce lawyer to handle your case. Choosing the right lawyer may be the most important decision you make at this time. At Stange Law Firm, our team has helped hundreds of our clients in numerous states succeed in their divorces. We can bring a personalized and empathetic approach to your situation.
Some details you may want to consider are the rates of marriage and divorce in your state. Understanding these statistics can help you feel less alone in your decision to move forward with divorce. According to a recent poll from the Illinois Department of Public Health, over 50% of people identified as married when asked. The divorce rate, however, is low at only 1.2 per 1,000 people as of 2023, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The shock that comes with learning of your spouse’s infidelity can be a lot to endure on your own. It can affect your mental health in ways you may not have considered. To help process this pain, you should think about reaching out to a local infidelity survivors support group like Infidelity Survivors Anonymous or Harboring Hope.
Talking to someone who has been through the same situation as you can be beneficial and give you a judgment-free area to talk through things.
Coping With Infidelity
As you deal with every aspect of your divorce while also struggling with your partner’s infidelity, it is understandable to be confused about what to do next. The most important thing is not to come undone. Don’t let this incident destroy your ability to trust other people, and don’t wallow in self-pity. These are not healthy coping mechanisms. Be sure to take the right steps towards accepting the things you can’t control. Some healthy ways to cope may be:
- Prioritizing self-care. When you go through a traumatic ordeal, it is common to stop taking care of yourself, even if you’re not aware you’re doing it. Lean on your support system for help. Be sure to exercise, eat well, and focus on the things that you can control. Take up a hobby as a welcome distraction or reconnect with old friends.
- Getting closure with your ex might be something to consider. If you don’t think you can handle seeing them again, that is okay. However, having one last conversation about everything that happened can be beneficial. If you feel up to it, you may want to explain to them how their betrayal affected you. They may be willing to explain why they did it. Then, you never have to see them again.
FAQs
Q: What Should I Do if I Suspect My Partner Is Cheating?
A: If you suspect that your partner is cheating on you, the most important thing to do is document everything. The more evidence you have, the better. You should consult with an experienced divorce lawyer about your concerns. They can tell you what you can legally do to gather evidence. Recording conversations without consent is illegal in Illinois, for example. Your lawyer can make sure you don’t accidentally sabotage yourself.
Q: Will Infidelity Affect an Illinois Divorce?
A: No, infidelity will not directly affect an Illinois divorce. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. That means you are not legally required to have a reason to end the marriage. Your spouse’s infidelity may not affect the outcome of your divorce directly, but it can impact various factors of your divorce indirectly. For example, if you can prove your spouse used marital funds to pay for the affair, that can impact their settlement amount in your favor.
Q: Is Illinois a No-Fault Divorce State?
A: Yes, Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. This essentially means that you are not required to provide a reason if you want to end your marriage. Evidence of your spouse’s misconduct may affect the divorce in other indirect ways, but it is not necessary when it comes to filing. Legal grounds for a divorce in Illinois include irreconcilable differences, which means both spouses can no longer get along and there is no hope for reconciliation.
Q: Will I Have to Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
A: No, you do not have to hire a divorce lawyer, but you should do so anyway. Divorces that come out of infidelity are often contested, painful, and unpredictable. There’s a chance your spouse may be vindictive and cruel just to hurt you. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can mean the difference between winning and losing your case. They can help you build a strong case, protect yourself when necessary, and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of at any point.
Reach Out to Stange Law Firm Today
The multi-state team of legal professionals at Stange Law Firm knows what kind of legal help you will need to succeed in your divorce. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about how we can help you.