There are many different reasons people get divorced. Sometimes people realize they’ve grown apart. Sometimes they realize they aren’t as compatible as they thought. However, infidelity remains one of the most common causes of divorce. Finding out your partner has cheated on you can be overwhelming, painful, and confusing, especially if you have kids. It can be difficult to know how to approach this situation. An Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can assist you.

It’s understandable to feel a lot of conflicting emotions when you discover your partner’s infidelity. You may be angry, confused, vengeful, and depressed. However, it may be prudent to cast these emotions aside for the sake of your kids, who may be just as devastated about the divorce. They may not know the details of the divorce, but kids are perceptive. They may understand that something has fundamentally changed, and they may look to you for guidance.

Hire the Right Lawyer

It’s common for infidelity to lead to a contested divorce, and that can turn into a serious hassle with long-reaching repercussions. In order to ensure that you don’t lose substantially in your divorce, you need the right kind of legal representation to help you out. The multi-state legal team at Stange Law Firm understands the most effective ways to help you. We’ve assisted countless clients throughout the state in determining the right course of action for their divorces.

During this time, you may want to explore the rates of divorce and marriage in your state. Understanding these statistics can make you feel less alone in your decision to divorce. According to recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the divorce rate in Oklahoma is high at 3.3 per 1,000 people as of 2023. The marriage rate is low at 6.1 per 1,000 people as of 2022, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. 

Navigating a divorce after learning of your partner’s infidelity can be a difficult situation. Such a profound betrayal can affect your mental health in many different ways. It can even change the way you perceive relationships going forward. You may want to speak with a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Calm Waters. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your plight because they’ve endured something similar can help you in the long run.

Dealing with Infidelity as a Parent

While your initial reaction to your partner’s infidelity may be to confront them, scream at them, or even hurt them, it’s very important that you maintain a clear head for the sake of your kids. The most important thing you can do right now is be present for them. In the near future, you will likely have to co-parent with your spouse, so it may be important to establish the foundation of that relationship right now. Here are some ways to deal with the situation in a healthy way:

  • Depending on the ages of your children and the details of your divorce overall, you may want to consider speaking with your kids about the infidelity. It’s entirely up to you to choose how detailed or honest you want to be with them about what happened. Throughout it all, you shouldn’t speak ill of the other parent. You don’t want to give them fuel for a possible case of parental alienation.
  • One thing you should consider doing is building and maintaining a support system of individuals who love you and want to help you succeed. Take comfort in the loved ones you still have, including your family, friends, and neighbors. Together, you can help your kids make peace with the trauma that comes with divorce. You may want to consider reaching out to old friends you may have lost touch with over the years.
  • Eventually, if you’re feeling up to it, you may want to have one last conversation with your ex about what happened. Closure can help you heal. If possible, sit down with them and explain to them how much their actions hurt you and your family. They may try to justify their actions, or they may even refuse to take accountability. Either way, you can say you tried to make peace. Again, it’s entirely up to you.

FAQs

Q: Can a Divorce Lawyer Help?

A: Yes, a divorce lawyer can help. A divorce that comes out of infidelity can often be tumultuous, emotional, and spiteful. It’s entirely possible that your spouse may try to hurt you in many ways, possibly by using your children. A good lawyer can make sure your spouse can’t use your children in such a way. A lawyer’s help can prove to be invaluable in times like these.

Q: Will Infidelity Affect My Kids?

A: Yes, infidelity will almost certainly affect your kids. Even if you try to keep the more sordid details out of their daily lives, they will realize that something in the family dynamic has changed. Children notice more than you may think, but they may lack the emotional maturity to understand it. Sit down with your kids and let them know you’ll always be there for them. They’ll need stability now more than ever.

Q: How Long Will My Divorce Take?

A: Every divorce takes as long as it needs to take to finalize. Every divorce case is different, with each case having its own unique circumstances that will directly affect the case’s timeline. Some divorces may be settled in a matter of months at minimal cost to both spouses. Other cases, particularly contested divorces, may take over a year to finalize due to both parties’ unwillingness to compromise on certain issues.

Q: How Do I Start the Divorce Process in Oklahoma?

A: The most effective way to start the divorce process in Oklahoma is to hire an experienced divorce lawyer to help you figure out your next steps. From there, your lawyer will likely advise you to file a Petition for Divorce or a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Once served, your spouse will have a certain amount of time to file a response.

Contact Us Today

At Stange Law Firm, we can help you figure out a way forward for your divorce. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about what we can do for you.