Can adultery impact alimony in Utah?
Salt Lake City alimony attorney Melvin A. Cook has extensive experience dealing with divorce cases in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.
Logo 801-746-5075
9571 South 700 East, Suite 104 Sandy, , UT 84070
Call: 801-746-5075

Can adultery impact alimony in Utah?

by Melvin Cook

RECENT POSTS
  • BIFF Your Way to Successful Communications with Your Ex-Spouse

    BIFF Your Way to Successful Communications with Your Ex-Spouse  Read more...

  • Unsealing Adoption Records for Good Cause in Utah

    Unsealing Adoption Records for Good Cause in Utah  Read more...

Countless of marriages in Utah end up in divorce because one of the spouses was unfaithful. Infidelity will definitely affect alimony if you can prove to the judge that your spouse was unfaithful. A Salt Lake City alimony attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and explain in more details how laws in Utah may favor your case. However, if you have been together for a long time, chances are cheating will not become a factor that determines alimony.

Define adultery in Utah

It’s basically when someone married has sexual intercourse with someone else other than the spouse. It’s actually considered a misdemeanor criminal offense in the state of Utah. It sounds a bit harsh but so are some laws. Although courts will consider this factor when awarding alimony, it may not have a significant impact on property division.

Gathering evidence

If you suspect your spouse has been unfaithful, you may need a Salt Lake City alimony attorney to help you gather evidence. It’s not enough having suspicions about the affair. You need to prove it actually happened. Judges are generally more convinced when an attorney is present. It shows you are serious about your case.

Alimony in Utah

It’s natural for spouses to become financially dependent on each other. After all, couples are a team. It sounds very sweet and trustworthy until cheating comes into the picture. When a divorce takes place, the spouse earning more generally provides alimony to the one earning less. The following factors are considered when determining alimony in Utah:

Financial needs

  • How much income each spouse makes
  • How long they have been married
  • If there are children involved
  • If the dependent spouse was employed by the spouse providing the support
  • Lifestyle and spending habits
  • Who caused the divorce

If you have been married for a long time, courts may decide you and your spouse balance your lifestyle but if your marriage is short-lived, you both may have to go back to the standard of living before you got married.

How adultery can affect alimony

If you can show to the judge that your spouse cheating on you lead to the break-up chances are you won’t have to provide alimony for your ex. Also, you may get a larger share of the matrimonial property. But you need those receipts to prove your spouse spent the marital assets while having an affair. If you forgave your spouse for being unfaithful and you spent a significant amount of time as couple after the affair, the court won’t look at adultery as a contributing factor for getting a divorce unless your spouse was unfaithful again.

Your Salt Lake City alimony attorney

Salt Lake City alimony attorney Melvin A. Cook has extensive experience dealing with divorce cases in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. He is ready to listen to your needs and explain your rights as the betrayed spouse in a divorce case. The first consultation is free of charge. Call us today!

Contact a Salt Lake City Attorney Committed to Protecting Your Rights

When it comes the family law and social security disability, each client and case is different. It is also important to select an attorney with the experience, skills and professionalism required to address your legal issues. To learn more, contact the Salt Lake City law offices of Melvin A. Cook and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.

    * fields are required