Seattle, WA asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Oregon

Q: My boyfriend is currently going through a divorce and custody battle here in the state of Oregon. Refer to more info

He is part of a shelter for domestic abuse. His caseworker there apparently told him that adultery can be used against him in court during his custody battle. Is this a legitimate thing? Because I myself have read that adultery cannot be used against him unless it directly affects a decision that the judge has to make.

1 Lawyer Answer
Joanne Reisman
Joanne Reisman
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: Adultery has no place in modern law. Adults can have sex with other consenting Adults in private and it is not relevant unless it is somehow detracting from the children getting proper care. But the fact that adults have relationships with other Adults to whom they are not married, alone, is not relevant. The court looks at the best interest of the children and that means that the court looks for a safe nurturing environment.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.