Studies Show Infidelity as a Leading Cause of Divorce in California

According to recent studies, infidelity or extramarital affairs are responsible for 59.6% of divorces throughout the United States.

While California spouses do not have to prove that the other spouse has done anything wrong to file for divorce, extra-marital affairs are responsible for the breakdown of most marriages that end in divorce.

California spouses can file for divorce based on the simple explanation of irreconcilable differences — which, simply put, means the couple is unable to resolve their differences to save their marriage.

According to the study, infidelity was often cited as a critical turning point in an already deteriorating relationship.

The truth is, divorce can be complicated at first glance, and the details even more daunting. At the Land Legal Group, our Los Angeles divorce attorney understands that all marriages are unique, and so are the circumstances that lead to their dissolutions. We can help provide solutions that give you confidence, so you can focus on your future.

Is There More Than One Type of Marital Infidelity?

Certainly, when one thinks of infidelity, a physical, intimate affair comes to mind.

While extra-marital affairs are often the leading type of infidelity that leads to divorce, other types can cause severe damage to what was believed to be a trusting relationship.

• Financial Infidelity

We have talked before about the damage financial infidelity can cause in a marriage, and it can occur in several ways.

First, lying to your spouse about money is a common type of financial infidelity and can include making and hiding purchases to avoid an argument.

A second type is concealing income or accounts, including opening credit cards or bank accounts without the other spouse’s knowledge.

Some signs of financial infidelity can include:

• Finding receipts or statements from debit/credit cards you did not know existed
• Being removed as an authorized credit card or bank account user
• Missing cash from joint accounts
• Signs of anxiety when the mail arrives
• New personal or household possessions

Some spouses will exhibit extreme emotions when financial topics arise, which may indicate he or she has something to hide. Financial discussions are inherently uncomfortable for most, and when a spouse intentionally avoids the topic, there may be cause for concern.

Marital finances — including both assets and debts — are important to the entire family.

If you are not aware of your financial standing, it is time to have a real conversation with your spouse about your incomes, accounts, and how you handle expenses.

• Emotional Infidelity

Unlike traditional extra-marital affairs — where one spouse is carrying on a physical relationship with another — emotional infidelity involves crossing boundaries of friendship and developing romantic or sexual feelings for someone who is not your partner.

Often, emotional affairs lead to both parties feeling closer by building a strong emotional bond that hurts the intimacy of the spousal relationship.

Emotional infidelity can occur between friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even online.

With the popularity of social media, many people are rekindling old flames by easily finding and communicating with companions online. This requires spouses to invest more time in front of their computers or on their phones to keep up with the relationship; meanwhile taking time away from their marriages.

These relationships often involve intimate details, including complaints about spouses, work, family, and everyday activities that become increasingly damaging the longer they go on.

Contact The Land Legal Group In Los Angeles For a initial consultation Today

If you believe your spouse is being unfaithful in any capacity and would like to discuss your future, contact our Los Angeles divorce attorney at the Land Legal Group today by calling (310) 552-3500 to learn about the legal solutions that will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your next steps. You should never have to face your spouse alone, and with our Los Angeles family law attorney’s help, you can confront their infidelities with the legal knowledge you need to produce results.