Legal Question in Family Law in South Carolina

Results of Adultry

If one spouse is an adulterer, and has admitted it, does that mean the other spouse automatically gets ''everything''? How is it determined who gets the house, cars, bill payments...The non-adulterer has racked up thousands of dollars on credit cards, some with both of their names on them, and has done this on purpose to ''get back'' at the cheating spouse. Who would end up being responsible for those bills? Does the non-adulterer get all the furnature? Does the adulterer have to pay alimony if the non-adulterer makes ALOT more money then the adulterer?


Asked on 3/25/03, 3:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Otto Ferrene, jr. Ferrene & Associates, PA

Re: Results of Adultry

Adultry by a spouse will bar the ability to obtain alimony from the other spouse. Adultry is a fault ground for divorce which can occur not earlier than 3 months after filing and service of the suit for divorce. Proof of Adulrty requires third party testimony as to the adultry. Neither of the spouses may alone testify to the adultry. Adultry may be proven by a third party if the spouse and paramour are seen in a place and under conditions which in themselves indicate that that is the only reason for the rendevous.

However, adultry may be considered but does not prevent the equitable distribution of marital property between the man and wife. Which is to say that the court determines what percentage of the total marital estate each spouse will get but adultry will not pervent the court from making an award of property in the split of marital property.

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Answered on 3/25/03, 5:47 pm


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