Social media has become more than just a way with connecting with friends and family. Some people are using it to establish online relationships. Unfortunately, not all of these relationships are between single people. If you suspect that your spouse is having an online affair, here is what you need to know.
Is It an Affair?
Some people who engage in online relationships outside of their marriage do not believe they are committing infidelity. The argument is usually that it is not cheating because the relationship is confined to the Internet. The reality is, it is possible to engage in cyber infidelity.
Cyber infidelity is difficult to distinguish because there is no sexual contact. In some cases, there is not even an emotional connection. For instance, a man or woman sending a nude picture to an online contact might not view it as committing adultery.
However, infidelity is typically viewed as the breaking of trust in an intimate relationship. It also involves keeping secrets from a partner. If your spouse is engaging in a relationship with someone online and keeping it secret, there is a possibility he or she is committing infidelity.
What Can You Do?
Just as with other forms of infidelity, you have the option of deciding whether or not you should work it out with your spouse or end the relationship. If you decide to stay with your spouse, it is important that you seek marital counseling to handle the infidelity. Your spouse can learn what he or she can do to build trust, and you can learn how to trust him or her again.
However, if you want to leave the relationship, you can choose to file for legal separation or divorce. If you file for legal separation, you and your spouse are agreeing to maintain two separate households.
If you plan to file for divorce, try to get evidence of your spouse's infidelity. Incriminating emails, messages, or screenshots of shared images could be beneficial when you have to go to court. Although your spouse cannot be punished financially for his or her indiscretion by the court, a judge might be more sympathetic to your case.
As soon as it is clear that your spouse is having a cyber affair, consult with a family law attorney like John Alegria Attorney at Law. He or she can review your state's laws and help you explore your options and file any documentation that is needed for separation or divorce.
