My understanding is that adultery will help the BS if the BS is trying to collect alimony. I don't think it will stop the WS from collecting though, depending on the state?
I found a link for the MD law library:
http://www.lawlib.state.md.us/Free family law forms:
http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/forms/index.htmlMore do it yourself stuff - very helpful to read this page:
http://www.peoples-law.org/family/divorce/divorce%20home.htmOn the following page I found the adultery info:
http://www.peoples-law.org/family/divorce/choosing%20grounds.htm#AdulteryGrounds for an Absolute Divorce
To obtain an absolute divorce, one spouse must first prove that at least one ground for absolute divorce exists. The following is a brief description of each ground for divorce in Maryland.
Adultery
Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person other than the offender’s spouse. It is a fault ground for divorce, which means that there is no waiting period for getting a divorce. If a party pleads and proves adultery, the divorce will be granted immediately.
In Maryland, neither cunnilingus nor fellatio (which the law defines as sodomy), is a ground for divorce and generally neither is considered adultery. The sexual intercourse necessary for adultery must involve some penetration of the female organ by the male organ, but a “completion” of the sexual intercourse is not required.
To prove adultery, you do not need to show actual intercourse. Evidence that the offender had the disposition and opportunity for extra-marital intercourse will be enough. Public displays of affection, such as hand-holding, kissing, and hugging, between the guilty spouse and the non-spouse are generally sufficient to indicate an adulterous disposition. For example, opportunity may be proven by showing that your spouse was seen entering the non-spouse’s apartment alone at 11 p.m. and not coming out until 8 a.m. the following morning. If you can only prove disposition but not opportunity, the courts may not allow your divorce because the court may reason that it is simply mere speculation. The same is true if you only show that there was opportunity but cannot prove disposition.
An attorney can determine whether your facts meet the legal requirements for proving adultery. Evidence must include the testimony of a corroborating third party. It is not sufficient for the offender to simply admit the adultery. Additionally, if one spouse has a child and the other spouse is not the natural parent of that child, this is usually sufficient to sustain a claim of adultery. Finding Legal Help
Adultery may be a factor in determining the right to alimony. It may be a factor in awarding custody of the children only if the court determines that the adulterous behavior had a detrimental effect on the children.
Maryland code for family law:
http://198.187.128.12/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=fs-main.htm&2.0It also says that the existence of "ground" - eg. Adultery - for divorce do not automatically preclude the awardance of alimony.