* Spike in number of people using no-fault divorce as an excuse to cheat on partners
* 51% of men are more relaxed about having an affair since divorce law changed in 2022
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
Once a messy matter with a focus on finger-pointing, divorce has recently had a makeover. In the past, couples would throw each other under the bus, airing their dirty laundry in public during courtroom showdowns. Now, it’s a completely different story.
Back in April 2022, the ‘Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020’ (aka, the no-fault divorce law) was introduced in the UK, allowing couples to call it quits without having to play the blame game. But, it seems no-fault divorce is having an unexpected effect by opening the door to infidelity like never before.
According to recent data from IllicitEncounters.com, more cheaters than ever are using no-fault divorce as a get-out-of-jail-free card, with the married dating site reportedly seeing a massive 87% increase in membership since the laws changed.
Adultery was one of the five reasons you had to cite for splitting up before no-fault divorce came into force – but now you don’t need to provide a reason for divorce nor show evidence of cheating, making it a win-win situation for loverats.
When IllicitEncounters.com polled 2,000 of its members, the results showed men in particular are making the most of the new divorce laws, with 51% saying they feel more relaxed about having an affair now, compared to 32% of women.
Interestingly, people aged between 35-44 were most likely to be up for an affair now that no-fault divorce is a thing.
Paul, 41, from Bristol who took part in the poll said, “Back in the day, cheating was a red line I wouldn’t have even considered crossing. There was definitely an element of fear or guilt that stopped me, but when issues in my marriage spiralled out of control, everything changed. Divorce had been on my mind for a good few years, but it just seemed way too messy, and knowing my wife, she’d never have agreed to it.
When the laws changed around divorce, that’s when my thoughts on infidelity took a U-turn. No-fault divorce almost gives me a safety net that makes me think ‘Why not?’. I’m basically being given the chance for an easier exit from my unhappy marriage!
I joined IllicitEncounters knowing that I don’t have to worry about my actions anymore and having met one incredible woman in particular, I’m seriously considering using the new law to my advantage.”
When asked to comment on the results of the study, Jessica Leoni, sex and relationship expert at IllicitEncounters.com, said “The introduction of the no-fault divorce law has completely changed the way we view marriages. Despite being brought in to reduce the hostility and emotional turmoil linked to divorce, we’re now seeing a shift in mindset, with people seeing infidelity as less risky.
The new exit strategy for troubled marriages is undoubtedly helping individuals go down paths they’d perhaps never considered when it comes to cheating. The previous fear of blame that would deter couples from divorce has gone, and it appears society is making the most of it.”
illicitencounterspress.wordpress.com 