I think you are missing my point.
You were writing as if the church is the only institution interested in whether a spouse committed adultery.
Historically speaking, people were granted civil divorces on the grounds of adultery, and in some states (not Florida*) they can still get a divorce on the grounds of adultery.
Is a no fault divorce the only option even when there has been substantial wrongdoing?
In 15 states, yes. The other states allow a spouse to select either a no fault divorce or a fault divorce. Why choose a fault divorce? Some people don't want to wait out the period of separation required by their state's law for a no fault divorce. And in some states, a spouse who proves the other's fault may receive a greater share of the marital property or more alimony.The traditional fault grounds are:
- cruelty (inflicting unnecessary emotional or physical pain) -- this is the most frequently used ground
- adultery
- desertion for a specified length of time
- confinement in prison for a set number of years, and
- physical inability to engage in sexual intercourse, if it was not disclosed before marriage.
*Florida does not grant divorces on the grounds of adultery. As for alimony in Florida divorce cases --"The bottom line is that the amount of alimony awarded a spouse [who was cheated on] is only increased if the adulterous conduct increases the spouse's monetary needs."
Thanks. Wasn't trying to be flip, just trying to understand.