Will The Release Of Ashley Madison Users’ Addresses Lead To Divorce?

Florida may see an increase in the rate of divorces as home addresses of Ashley Madison users are released.

Ashley Madison, a site dedicated to helping married individuals find others who are willing to become involved in an extramarital affair, is back in the news. Hackers followed through on their threat last month, releasing sensitive customer information from “the most famous name in infidelity and married dating.” An article on Wired notes that the released data included names, passwords and addresses that were submitted by users of the site, though many members may have submitted fake information. However, the story remains in the headlines as additional data connected to payment methods, like credit cards, will likely lead to more accurate personal information.

A recent article in the International Business Times also touched on the issue, noting that various databases have emerged promising the ability to access more accurate personal information of Ashley Madison account holders. The websites claim to provide spouses who are concerned their partners may have used the site for extramarital affairs a more conclusive method of checking. Instead of relying just on email addresses that were leaked by the hackers, the sties claim spouses can match the email details of registered users with connecting home and business addresses.

Impact of the release of home addresses on divorce cases in Florida

A recent piece in the Business Insider discussed how this leak will likely translate to an increase in divorce filings throughout the country, including here in Florida. The probability of an uptick in divorce fillings will likely only increase with the presence of home and business addresses.

Those who find themselves considering a divorce can benefit from a basic understanding of how state law would impact their situation. In Florida, infidelity is generally not taken into consideration by the courts in the divorce proceeding. Florida is considered a “no fault” state, meaning a divorce can be granted if one party to the marriage proves that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

Although the fact that one spouse was cheating does not impact whether or not a divorce will be granted, it can impact other factors, such as alimony awards and custody decisions.

Importance of legal counsel when moving forward with a divorce

Navigating through this process can require a large amount of evidence and, in some cases, expert testimony. As a result, it is wise for those who are moving forward with a divorce to seek the counsel of an experienced divorce attorney. This legal professional will guide you through the process, advocating for your best interests and working to better ensure a more favorable outcome.