Tulsa family law firm comments on Ashley Madison hack

Ashley Madison is now a household name due to a recent attack on the website. For those who don’t know, Ashley Madison is a dating website that markets itself to people who are married or in a committed relationship. Numerous media outlets have reported that the hack unveiled personal information like email address and account details of approximately 32 million members of the site. The Tulsa Family Law Firm of Fry & Elder is well aware of the potential fallout the hack could have on marriages and families. Here are a few answers to some common questions about the Ashley Madison hack that Oklahoma residents might have.

What are the grounds for divorce in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma typically is regarded as a no-fault state, meaning that nearly every divorce that is filed in court is based on no-fault bases ground or incompatibility. In layman’s terms, this means that the parties have grown apart and they have differences that cannot be reconciled. However, in Oklahoma, there also are occasions in which a divorce can be requested on fault-based grounds, which does include adultery, fraud, extreme cruelty, felony conviction and other items that are found in Oklahoma Statutes – Title 43 – Sections 101.

Would Spousal Engagement on the Ashley Madison Website Have Any Ramifications in Court?

This is difficult to answer because all circumstances are different, but possibly. There is expenditure not in furtherance of joint marital goals in Oklahoma. For instance, if a spouse had an encounter through the Ashley Madison website and took a weekend trip with a participating partner, this would not be in accordance with furtherance of joint marital goals in Oklahoma based on finances and other things. If a couple were to go through a divorce in Tulsa, the encounter could have an impact on how assets are divided. If it were further proven that the encounter or any encounters neglected any of the couple’s children in any way, the spouse could make a strong argument against join custody being employed and that they should receive more than 50 percent of the assets and property value.

Experience the Fry & Elder Difference

If your marriage has been affected by the Ashley Madison hack or if you have any additional questions about divorce and child custody in Oklahoma, contact the Tulsa family law firm of Fry & Elder immediately. Our firm was named to the U.S. News & World Report’s exclusive list of Best Law Firms for 2015. Acclaimed Tulsa divorce lawyer Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. also was named the 2016 Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa by the esteemed Best Lawyers® publication, while firm attorneys M. Shane Henry, Aaron D. Bundy and T. Luke Barteaux have each garnered SuperLawyers® Rising Star™ accolades.