Married people cheat for several reasons. Reports reveal that up to 40% of partners are affected by infidelity issues. Frustration is a common trigger for separation between partners and may occur due to several problems. The internet is a great contributor to infidelity in marriage. Many people, unable to cope with stressors in life, try to find excitement in online attractions and cyber relationships, and wind up finding themselves in an affair. Social media is also a potential contributing factor to divorces among partners. Many cheaters lose their emotional connection with their partner and try to seek fulfillment in an online relationship. When one partner gets involved in secret affairs, he or she may start to spend more on the affair, and this can lead to financial infidelity. The internet makes it easy for couples to act dishonestly, which causes trust issues, leading to the breakdown of the marriage.

In addition, running away from marital problems is a major cause of infidelity. When one partner continually creates lies related to financial and emotional affairs, it can open the door to a flood of problems within the marriage. 

What is financial infidelity?

Financial infidelity is not just about disputes between partners related to money matters; rather, it is any purposeful act of holding secret assets, spending money secretly, or secretly using money. The unknown debts or any financial action against the will of a significant other can be recognized as financial infidelity. 

This is one of the most common reasons for divorce among most couples. While marriage counselors advise partners to make all financial decisions through having discussions with each other, a lack of transparency in these important conversations can strain or burden the relationship. It is important to mention that financial infidelity does not start with millions of dollars right away; rather, it starts from a small amount and escalates from there. What hurts isn’t just that the money was spent secretly, it’s that trust was broken over financial matters. 

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Why should you consult with a divorce attorney on financial infidelity?

There is no doubt that financial infidelity and divorce are painful experiences. If these situations occur, one should seek help from an experienced divorce attorney. There are few common signs of financial infidelity including irrational spending behavior, document forging, secret shopping, repeated unusual bank withdrawals, concealment of details about some financial transactions, and changing account passwords time and time again. 

If you observe any of these signs, it is good to consult with an attorney in your city. Experienced divorce attorneys can help their clients navigate the divorce legal system as they recover from heartbreak.

Financial infidelity is a highly troublesome issue for married couples. If you have decided to separate due to financial infidelity, it is best to hire experienced lawyers to present your case in front of the court. They may bring all the essential evidence and proof to fight your case so that you can receive a divorce settlement as swiftly as possible. 

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When a relationship isn’t working anymore and there is an evident lack of mutual love and respect, the best thing to do is separate. It is best to not drag the baggage of the bond any further. While divorce may not have always been common, today, the picture is quite different. According to statistics, the current divorce rate in the United States stands at about 3 percent per 1000 population; nearly eight hundred thousand people got divorced last year.

The top four reasons behind most of the divorces in America are monetary issues, infidelity, lack of intimacy and compatibility, and substance abuse. All these issues not only affect the couple seeking separation—but they also leave an ever-lasting impact on their families as well. However, getting a divorce doesn’t necessarily mean taking matters to the court. Litigation and mediation are two options that a couple can consider when they are heading on a path of separation.

Litigation is synonymous with the lawsuit. It happens when the issue over separation is taken to the court and the judge, upon hearing both sides, renders a decision regarding the questions presented. In this case, both parties must be present at the court, either themselves or represented by an attorney. The judge will listen to both sides and strive to draw an end to the disparities that neither of the parties can agree upon. Once the decision is made, the couple is guided as to how problems can be resolved.

Alternatively, mediation, as the name suggests, involves a third-party mediator who regulates meetings between both parties and helps them come to an agreement amicably. Rather than the judge of a court, is an unbiased individual whose aim is to spawn a resolution between the two parties. One may choose to appear before the mediator himself or, let his attorney take over who will, in turn, ensure that the mediation is steered in the direction of his best interests.

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When should you choose mediation over litigation?

Mediation doesn’t involve the hassle of being present at the court on regular dates to testify. Instead, McNamee Divorce Mediation facilitates the process of legal separation by helping the couple to gain clarity.

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Many who choose mediation over litigation will realize that each party has some control over the outcome of the case. The solution that is mutually agreed upon as a result of the mediation may be better than the judgment ruled by the jury or judge of a court. Furthermore, if the couple has children, custody can be quite a contentious matter; mediation may be more practical in resolving custody disputes without disrupting the child’s mental health and emotional well-being.

However, sometimes mediation isn’t possible. Litigation may be the only option if one of the parties is difficult—if that spouse does not want to reach an amicable resolution and instead wants the ruling of a judge. Those who have suffered to extreme lengths throughout the marriage may demand heavy compensation for the irreparable harm. In addition, if one spouse is suspected of hiding assets unlawfully, avoiding the basic duties of a parent, abusing the partner, or deliberately inflicting pain, a court trial may be the best way to implore an investigation.

For couples who wish to work with a reputable and licensed mediator, give McNamee Mediations a call today.