Adultery is a felony in Massachusetts and is punishable by a state prison sentence of up to 3 years. Although theres little to no risk of incarceration for adultery, it may have an impact on your divorce.

What is the punishment for adultery in Massachusetts?

A married person who has sexual intercourse with a person not his spouse or an unmarried person who has sexual intercourse with a married person shall be guilty of adultery and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than three years or in jail for not more than two years or by a fine of not

Does adultery affect divorce in MA?

Adultery is a fault-based ground for divorce permitted in Massachusetts. A court will grant a divorce based on adultery if the accusing spouse produces evidence of the affair. Like other fault grounds, its up to the innocent spouse to prove to the court the guilty spouses marital misconduct.

Can you date while separated in Massachusetts?

Its not uncommon for a spouse to consider dating while their divorce is pending. The short answer to the question to date or not to date is that there is no law in Massachusetts that prevents spouses from dating after separating or divorcing. So yes, you are allowed to date when your divorce is pending.

Does cheating spouse get alimony?

Does adultery affect alimony? If you committed adultery, but your spouse permitted it or forgave you and carried on with your marriage even once the affair ended, your instance of adultery will not likely prevent you from receiving an award of alimony.

Is it illegal to cheat on your spouse in Massachusetts?

Adultery is a felony in Massachusetts and is punishable by a state prison sentence of up to 3 years. However, even the family courts have recently treated adultery less harshly than in the past.

Should I admit to adultery in divorce?

You will get less money in the divorce if you admit to committing adultery. The procedural aspects of divorce and the financial aspects are completely separate. Although you must give an acceptable reason for your divorce to be successful procedurally, it rarely affects the outcome of the financial settlement.