Infidelity is one of the most common reasons why couples divorce. Oftentimes, the unfaithful spouse does not communicate their desire to end the relationship and instead chooses to have an affair, hoping that it will provoke divorce. This is called an exit affair, and it is typically an unexpected and difficult situation to deal with for the betrayed spouse.
What is An Exit Affair?
An exit affair occurs when one spouse cheats on their partner hoping that it will lead to a divorce. They have emotionally checked out and are ready to end the relationship. However, they are not willing to communicate openly with their spouse regarding their dissatisfaction, so they have an affair hoping that their spouse will want to get a divorce. Therefore, the cheater usually makes no effort to conceal the affair and may even leave conspicuous clues or evidence of the affair for their spouse to find.
Warning Signs of An Exit Affair
Often, the exiting spouse has wanted to leave the relationship for some time before engaging in an exit affair. They remain in the marriage only with the promise of ending it in the future when they are truly ready. They may exhibit warning signs that include:
- Emotional distance or disconnect
- Unexplained absences
- Sudden changes in appearance
- Unusual trips or expenditures
- Lack of conflict or false sense of security
- Decreased levels of intimacy
How to Deal with an Exit Affair
Dealing with an exit affair can be emotionally challenging, especially when the faithful spouse feels blindsided. It is important that the faithful spouse deal with the situation appropriately, so they do not jeopardize their position in the divorce. For example, alcohol or drug use may prevent a parent from getting physical custody of the children. Public outbursts of anger or aggression may also reflect negatively upon a spouse and hinder their chances of achieving other desired outcomes in the divorce.
Maryland Divorce
It is important to understand the process of divorce in your state. In Maryland, there is fault-based and no-fault divorce. Fault-based divorce may be filed for reasons including adultery, desertion, insanity, conviction of a crime, cruelty, or excessively vicious conduct. No-fault divorce does not require an underlying wrongdoing as its basis. Rather, couples must show that they have been separated voluntarily for one year or involuntarily for two years.
There are many other issues a divorcing couple must consider, such as child support, parenting plans, alimony, and distribution of assets. Mediation may be beneficial if the couple is willing to work together. Regardless of the circumstances, couples should seek the counsel of an experienced divorce lawyer who can help them navigate the legal intricacies of divorce.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Provide Experienced Legal Counsel for All Divorce Matters
The Towson divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC understand the complexities of Maryland divorce law and can help you handle all aspects of your divorce. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Towson, Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Columbia, Carroll County, Essex, Harford County, Howard County, Hunt Valley, and Westminster. For a free, confidential consultation, contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150.
