Myth buster: I will get a better divorce outcome because my ex cheated on me

It is important to understand that a Court of Law is sadly not the place to go if you're seeking emotional justice. Since the introduction of "no fault divorce" in England and Wales in April 2022, the cause of the divorce is irrelevant and it will therefore have no influence on the divorce outcome, no matter what your former spouse has done or not done.

While it might be morally right for you to get a better outcome, it is not a legal right. For those expecting preferential treatment during the divorce due to their spouse's infidelity, be aware that this will not be the case. The scenes we see in television dramas, where a judge takes a stand for the "victim", are very much fictional.

One final piece of advice. Do not expect your children to act as purveyors of justice in this context. They should never be made to choose between their two parents or to love one more than the other, no matter matter what inappropriate behaviours a parent has exhibited. Whatever you do, and no matter how upset you might be, do not use your children as a vehicle for punishing an unfaithful ex.

Video version: