Who is More Likely to Cheat in a Relationship?

Infidelity can stir up heartbreak, heated debates, and in many cases, divorce filings. An article on Medium dives into the age-old question: who is more likely to cheat in a relationship?

According to studies cited in the article, around 20% of married men and 13% of married women admit to straying. Interestingly, younger women sometimes surpass men in infidelity rates, while older age groups skew the numbers in the opposite direction. The bottom line? Cheating may be a common phase that people go through at various points in life—though men and women don’t always go through it at the same time. However, here’s the catch: numbers don’t tell the whole story.

The article claimed that, while stereotypes say men cheat for physical reasons and women for emotional ones, modern research shows it's far more nuanced. From secret texts to long-distance emotional bonds, the digital age has expanded how we define “infidelity.” Emotional affairs can be just as damaging—particularly when they erode trust or disrupt parenting dynamics.

In the vast majority of cases, infidelity will not play a direct role in determining property division or temporary alimony. But adultery can be a factor in cases where marital assets were directed toward an affair (think hotels, gifts, or travel). That’s where infidelity crosses into financial misconduct. Under Pennsylvania law, infidelity is technically a factor in alimony, however, it is very rarely impactful on alimony awards. In some cases, infidelity can also influence custody decisions if the behavior caused instability, which in turn had a negative impact on the children.

The bottom line is this: infidelity is complex, shaped by age, social expectations, and personal circumstances. That same complexity often plays out in divorce proceedings, where emotions run high, and every decision feels personal. If you are facing a divorce that stemmed from cheating, you may need help finding clarity and closure.

Arm yourself with the informed, experienced and winning representation of Williams Family Law. Contact us at 215-340-2207 or email info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.