Why Do People Cheat and How Does Adultery Affect Your Divorce?

Why do people cheat on their spouses? How does adultery affect your divorce in Georgia? These are two tough questions! Honestly, as a divorce lawyer in Augusta, Georgia, I find that the second question is easier to answer!

1. Why Do Married People Cheat?
As to the first question, all you need to do is type the words "why do people cheat" and search any of the search engines for answers. (You might also even see a few photos you recognize of celebrities, such as Jesse James, John Edwards, and Tiger Woods!) You will see that there have been countless studies, and articles and books written in the past twenty years alone on this topic. In my reading, I have learned that one of the primary reasons people cheat is the one you might guess: the loss of love and communication in their marriage. What do you think? What are some of the other reasons why people commit adultery?

2. How Does Adultery Affect Your Divorce?
Again, as a Georgia divorce attorney, this question is alot easier to answer! Unfortunately, the answers aren't so good, if you are the cheater! One potential consequence is that, in Georgia, if your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," can prove adultery as a cause of the divorce, then you may be barred from receiving alimony. Infidelity may also impact your share of the property division. In addition, cheating may result in a messier, more expensive divorce. Finally, if Sluggo can prove that your adultery has some bearing or relationship to your fitness as a parent, then it can even cause you to lose custody of your children. It is very important for you to discuss your situation with your own divorce lawyer!

So, those are my attempts at answering these two questions! What do you think? Why do people run around on their spouses?

Celebrity Marriage and Divorce: Art Linkletter

Did you hear the sad news? News reports indicate that long-time t.v. host Art Linkletter died today at the age of 97. According to Wikipedia and numerous other sources, Linkletter, who enjoyed excellent health throughout most of his life, was the host of several programs, including the popular t.v. variety show, "Art Linkletter's House Party," which aired from 1952-1969. The affable Linkletter was noted for his humorous interactions with kids who, as Linkletter would put it, "say the darndest things!"

So, you might ask, what in the world does Mr. Linkletter's death have to do with a blog about divorce and divorce lawyers? The answer is that Mr. Linkletter is another example of the point that Hollywood does not destroy all celebrity marriages. Mr. Linkletter and his wife, who got married in 1935, were married nearly 75 years before his death today. This is an amazing fact about an amazing man who will be missed by many.

And this again proves that at least some celebrity marriages don't end in divorce!

Celebrity Divorces: Sandra Bullock and Jesse James (When Is "I'm Sorry" Not Enough?)

This post deals with a question raised by the ongoing divorce saga between actress Sandra Bullock and her alleged cheating husband, Jesse James. The question of the day is: When is "I'm sorry" not enough? In other words, if your own spouse, "Sluggo," committed adultery, would you take him back if he said, "I'm sorry?"

According to numerous news reports, James has not only apologized for his alleged infidelity, but also has indicated that he knew he would eventually get caught if he committed adultery. Also, as an apparent part of his cathartic confession, James has also been reported as essentially saying that threw away and "self-sabotaged" his own marriage.

Is this enough for Ms. Bullock to take him back? I have no idea. And frankly, I believe that it's a decision to be made by her, or between the two of them. But how would you react if you were the victim of adultery? How do people decide when it is appropriate to take back a cheating spouse, or when they should see a divorce lawyer?

What do you think?

Celebrity Marriage and Divorce: Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley

In this blog about Georgia divorce law and divorce lawyers, I also often write about celebrity divorces. The general theme, or common thread linking these posts, is that Hollywood can be tough on celebrity marriages.

However, this certainly doesn't apply to all cases! And maybe it's time to recognize some of the celebrity marriage success stories!

For example, consider the long-lasting marriage of two of my favorite Hollywood people: Michelle Pfeiffer and Hollywood writer-producer David E. Kelley. (In my opinion, Ms. Pfeiffer is one of Hollywood's finest actors and Kelley has produced some of my favorite television series, including "The Practice" and "Boston Legal"). This talented couple married back in 1993 and they are raising two children. Moreover, they appear to have a strong marriage unaffected by -- or at least not broken by --Hollywood stressors.

So, there! Maybe now I have been more fair to Hollywood by recognizing that not all celebrity marriages end in divorce!

Celebrity Divorces: Emma Caulfield

Were any of you fans of the old "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" t.v. series, featuring actress Emma Caulfield, which ran from 1997-2003? Frankly, I never saw a single episode!

But for you fans of the series, you might want to know that Emma Caulfield has reportedly filed for divorce from her husband of three or four years.

No one knows, or needs to know, (other than the parties and their divorce lawyers), the reasons for this divorce. Once again, it appears that Hollywood can be tough on celebrity marriages.

Divorce and Courtroom Demeanor: Or Please Don't Yell At Sluggo!

Okay, after several posts about celebrity divorces, let's have a post about practical tips in a divorce. This post is about demeanor, or how to handle yourself when you attend court hearings in a divorce. Please feel free to discuss this topic with your own divorce attorney!

Lesson One: Stay Calm!

First of all, even though you may be so angry that you could bite off the ear of your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," it would be advisable not to do so during your divorce court hearing! Put another way, please always try hard to remain calm and composed before the judge. This simple coaching advice could prove invaluable if, for example, you are seeking child custody and you want to show the judge that you are the responsible parent. So, no matter what, please don't throw a "hissy fit" in divorce court!

Lesson Two: Never Interrupt the Judge!

Generally, judges are very busy people. Each hearing day, they probably will handle a dozen or more other divorce cases, like yours. So, understandably, family law judges don't have the time to waste, nor the patience to be interrupted. So, please listen carefully to the judge and be careful never to interrupt!

In future posts, I will try to give you some more practical advice about testifying and attending divorce court for you to discuss with your own divorce lawyer. But for now, please primarily just remember: Never let "Sluggo" win by making you throw a "hissy fit" in front of the judge!

Celebrity Divorces: Larry King

Have you heard the good news? CNN talk show host Larry King and his wife have reportedly reconciled, after filing for divorce earlier this year!

The couple will reportedly seek counseling. And King has moved back home, according to news reports.

As you know, and as this case demonstrates, not all divorce filings end in divorce. What are some of the reasons why some couples reconcile?

Happy Mothers Day!

Today is a very special day! Today, we want to wish a Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful mothers out there!

We also want to tip our hats to all mothers, who work both inside and outside the home, and who work hard to help take care of their families. Sometimes, it seems it is getting harder and harder to raise a family, don't you agree?

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 13.7 million single parents in this country who are raising 21.8 million kids? About half of these parents are divorced or separated. And did you know that most of these custodial parents are moms who are employed and who do not receive any public assistance?

So, no matter what your situation is, Happy Mothers Day to all moms! Thank you for all you do!

Celebrity Divorces: Jodi Sweetin

Would you recognize this young woman if you saw her? Of course, with her name appearing at the top of this post, I suppose I gave it away! This is a photograph of actress Jodi Sweetin, who played the role of the precocious little girl, Stephanie Tanner, in the t.v. sitcom "Full House" from 1987-1995. I'll bet many of you enjoyed watching this talented young actress grow up, (that is, unless you were more focused on actor John Stamos or the Olsen twins)!

Have you read the news reports about Ms. Sweetin? Reportedly, Ms. Sweetin's second divorce recently became final. However, Ms. Sweetin appears to be doing well. She reportedly has been in a new relationship for the past year, (while awaiting the finalization of her divorce), and is reportedly expecting her second child, according to Wikipedia and other news sources.

Here's wishing Ms. Sweetin much happiness! And in parting, just for you, here are a few lines for you to remember from the "Full House" theme song:

"Everywhere you look,

Everywhere you go,

There's a heart,

A hand to hold onto."