Hitting the headlines last week was the news that international infidelity website, Ashley Madison, has been exposed to hackers after the personal details of millions of registered users were revealed in a devastating act of subterfuge.
The scandal has grabbed attention around the world and has, understandably, left many people worrying about the potential impact on their marriage after being unmasked. Suspicious spouses have also been left reeling after discovering their partner’s details amongst those leaked. At the latest count, around 1.2 million UK members’ data had been breached.
The manoeuvre has sparked a sharp rise in the number of calls to the counselling service Relate, whilst family lawyers are anticipating an increase in divorce rates. In fact it’s been reported this week that the first divorce to feature details revealed by the hack will be hitting the Courts soon.
Ashley Madison, whose strapline is ‘Life is short, have an affair’, is a dating website marketed to those already in a committed relationship. The leak has provided ammunition for concerned husbands and wives to use against cheating spouses when filing a divorce petition. Even if it’s impossible to prove infidelity, the very fact that your spouse is registered on the site could be grounds for unreasonable behaviour.
If you are concerned about your partner’s behaviour and would like advice about the implications of uncovering an adultery, speak with someone in our Family law team. Our lawyers are specially trained in matrimonial law and will help you make sense of your situation. We’ll support and guide you to achieve the outcome that’s right for you.
Call us on 01295 270999 or email a member of the team for advice.