Infidelity is a deeply personal and often devastating experience that can upend families and marriages. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we understand the emotional and legal complexities our clients face when dealing with affairs and the aftermath of betrayal. With over 30 years of combined experience in family law, our team is committed to guiding clients in Atlanta, Canton, Marietta, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Duluth, and surrounding areas through these challenging times with clarity, empathy, and strategic advocacy.
Understanding the Types of Affairs
Infidelity is not a one-size-fits-all issue. Recognizing the different types of affairs can help individuals and couples better understand their circumstances and make informed decisions about their future.
Physical Infidelity
Physical affairs involve sexual or intimate physical contact outside the marriage. This type of infidelity is often the most visible and can carry health risks, including the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Physical affairs frequently lead to a breakdown in trust and are cited as a leading cause of divorce in the United States.
Emotional Affairs
Emotional affairs occur when one partner forms a deep, non-physical connection with someone outside the relationship. These connections can be just as damaging as physical affairs, as emotional intimacy is often the foundation of a strong marriage. According to relationship experts, emotional affairs can sometimes be more difficult to overcome due to the sense of betrayal and secrecy involved.
Online/Cyber Affairs
With the rise of technology, online or cyber affairs have become increasingly common. These affairs may involve sexting, romantic conversations, or forming emotional bonds through social media, dating apps, or online forums. While they may not involve physical contact, the secrecy and emotional investment can be just as harmful to a relationship.
Financial Infidelity
Financial infidelity involves hiding assets, secret spending, or maintaining undisclosed bank accounts. This breach of trust can have significant legal and financial consequences, particularly during divorce proceedings where asset division is a key concern.
Revenge Affairs
A revenge affair is motivated by a desire to retaliate for a partner’s perceived or actual betrayal. Rather than resolving underlying issues, these affairs typically escalate conflict and deepen emotional wounds.
Micro-Cheating
Micro-cheating refers to seemingly minor actions that cross boundaries of trust, such as flirtatious texting, keeping secrets about interactions with others, or maintaining close relationships with ex-partners. While these behaviors may not constitute full-blown affairs, they can erode trust and intimacy over time.
Opportunistic and Serial Affairs
Opportunistic affairs occur impulsively, often in situations where temptation is high and consequences seem distant. Serial affairs, on the other hand, reflect a pattern of repeated infidelity, often indicating deeper issues with commitment or satisfaction in the relationship.
Coping With Infidelity: Professional and Personal Strategies
Discovering infidelity can trigger a range of intense emotions, from anger and grief to confusion and anxiety. At Hobson & Hobson, we encourage our clients to approach this difficult period with both self-care and strategic planning.
Seek Professional Support
Engaging with a therapist or counselor who specializes in relationship issues can provide invaluable guidance. Therapy can help individuals and couples process emotions, rebuild trust, and decide whether to reconcile or move forward separately. The Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is a helpful resource for finding qualified professionals.
Establish Clear Boundaries
Whether working towards reconciliation or preparing for separation, clear communication about expectations and boundaries is essential. This includes discussing contact with the third party, transparency about digital communications, and mutual agreements about finances and parenting.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial. Exercise, adequate sleep, and supportive social connections can help manage stress and promote healing. Remember, self-care is not selfish — it is necessary for making sound decisions during a tumultuous time.
Understand the Underlying Issues
While infidelity is never justified, understanding the factors that contributed to the affair can provide insight and inform future relationship choices. This may involve exploring communication patterns, unmet needs, or external stressors.
Legal Implications of Infidelity in Georgia
Infidelity can have significant legal consequences in Georgia, particularly when it comes to divorce, alimony, and child custody. Our attorneys at Hobson & Hobson are well-versed in the nuances of Georgia family law and are prepared to protect your interests with both empathy and assertiveness.
Grounds for Divorce
Georgia recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Adultery is a legally recognized ground for a fault-based divorce. If you can prove that your spouse’s infidelity caused the breakdown of the marriage, it may impact the outcome of your case.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Under Georgia law, a spouse who has committed adultery may be barred from receiving alimony if the infidelity directly led to the dissolution of the marriage. Documenting evidence of the affair is crucial if you intend to pursue or defend against alimony claims.
Property Division
Georgia follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. While marital misconduct like infidelity is not the primary factor, judges may consider it when determining a fair division of property, especially if marital funds were used to further the affair.
Child Custody
The best interests of the child are paramount in custody decisions. While infidelity alone does not typically determine custody, related behaviors — such as exposing children to inappropriate situations or neglect — can influence the court’s decision. Our attorneys are committed to protecting your parental rights and ensuring your children’s well-being.
For more on Georgia’s divorce laws, visit the Georgia Legal Aid website.
Statistics and Insights: The Impact of Infidelity
- Studies estimate that 20-40% of divorces in the U.S. cite infidelity as a contributing factor.
- Marriages affected by infidelity are significantly more likely to end in divorce than those without such breaches of trust.
- Physical affairs are more likely to result in divorce than emotional affairs, though both can have lasting emotional and legal consequences.
- According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, nearly 15% of married women and 25% of married men report having had extramarital affairs.
Expert Advice: Navigating Affairs and Divorce
Our experience has shown that the best outcomes arise when clients:
- Take time before making permanent decisions about the relationship.
- Establish clear boundaries during the healing process.
- Remain transparent about needs and expectations moving forward.
- Consider the perspectives of all family members, especially children.
- Document evidence of infidelity if pursuing a fault-based divorce.
We leverage advanced technology to streamline case management and communication, ensuring that our clients have real-time access to their case information and legal team. This innovative approach allows us to provide efficient, organized, and responsive service during every stage of your case.
Resources for Clients in Georgia
- Georgia Legal Aid
- Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (for those experiencing abuse alongside infidelity)
For more information about our services and approach, visit Hobson & Hobson, P.C..
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of affairs?
The most common types include physical, emotional, online/cyber, financial, revenge, micro-cheating, opportunistic, and serial affairs. Each type can have unique emotional and legal implications.
How does infidelity affect divorce in Georgia?
Infidelity can be grounds for a fault-based divorce and may impact alimony and property division. However, the court’s primary concern in custody cases is the best interests of the child.
Can I be denied alimony if I committed adultery?
Yes. In Georgia, if adultery is proven to have caused the breakdown of the marriage, the offending spouse may be barred from receiving alimony.
Should I gather evidence of my spouse’s affair?
If you are considering a fault-based divorce or believe infidelity may impact alimony or asset division, documenting evidence can be important. Consult with a family law attorney to ensure evidence is collected legally and ethically.
How can Hobson & Hobson help me if I’m dealing with infidelity?
We offer comprehensive legal guidance, from mediation and negotiation to aggressive litigation when necessary. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights, your finances, and your family’s well-being throughout the divorce process.
Infidelity is a complex and painful issue, but you do not have to face it alone. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we combine professional expertise, innovative technology, and compassionate support to help you make the best legal decisions for your future. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us guide you toward a brighter tomorrow.
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.
