What does adultery mean?

It is important to understand what does adultery mean, as adultery is a common reason that is given during a divorce.  In this article we shall deal with the common questions we are faced with from our clients in this regard.

There is no surprise when we speak to our clients, some of them are unsure actual – what does adultery mean. Not only is it a rather final way to end a relationship, but, along with unreasonable behaviour, it is one of the quickest ways for a divorce to be processed.

What does adultery mean?

In order for a divorce to be processed on the grounds of adultery, there would have been sexual relations between one party within the marriage, and an outside party. In order for a divorce to be processed on account of adultery, the other party needs to be of the opposite sex, if the other party is of the same sex then currently this cannot be processed on the grounds of adultery and instead will be deemed as unreasonable behaviour instead.

Is there a time limit for divorce on the grounds of adultery?

The answer to this is yes, there is a time limit applied to divorces on the grounds of adultery. If you are planning to petition for divorce due to adultery, then it must be within 6 months of when you were first aware of the adultery. This does not mean that it has to be 6 months from when it had taken place, as you may have not have known about it instantly.

The co-respondent

When considering what does adultery mean we need to appreciate when you are divorcing on the grounds of adultery, this can be a time that is filled with plenty of emotion and anger. The temptation for the party requesting the divorce is often to name the co-respondent in the divorce petition, this is the other party with whom the adultery was committed.

It is important to remember that it is not necessary to name the co-respondent within the divorce petition. Not only this, but if you do not name the other party then this can make the entire process easier. When you name the other party in a divorce petition, the divorce petition will need to be served to him/her. This means that it is twice as likely that there may be some difficulties during divorce proceedings, as often the named party is not going to want to co-operate with your request.

A divorce for any reason is never the easiest time in your life, however, having the right divorce lawyer can make a huge difference to how much stress this period of your life causes and how you cope with it.

Want to make sure that you have a dedicated and professional specialist lawyer to process your divorce? Speak to the team here at Austin Kemp. With years of experience within the world of divorce law, we can help make sure that your divorce is processed as quickly as possible and with an aim to achieve the results that you seek.

Still unsure what does adultery mean? Contact our expert divorce solicitors.

Our expert family law solicitors can help you with a range of legal issues relating to the grounds for divorce, including:

• Prenuptial agreements
• Cohabitation agreements
• Post civil partnership agreements
• Divorce
• Domestic violence and harassment
• Child maintenance
• Child contact arrangements
• Divorce financial provisions

Contact our expert divorce solicitors for advice on the grounds for divorce

For more information call our divorce solicitors on 0845 862 5001 or email mail@austinkemp.co.uk.

Our expert family law solicitors offer a nationwide service. We have client meeting office facilities available, in order to have face-to-face client meetings / conferences as and when required in:

Leeds Office: Princes Exchange, Princes Square, Leeds, LS1 4BY

Wakefield Office: Market Walk, Wakefield, WF1 1QR

Halifax Office: Old Lane, Halifax, HX3 5WP

Huddersfield Office: Northumberland Street Huddersfield, HD1 1RL

Coventry Office: Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 2DY

Canary Wharf Office: 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LB

Please contact us for more details.