Adultery is not just emotional betrayal. In Virginia, it can mean no spousal support.

In Virginia, if one spouse cheats, they may lose the right to receive spousal support. That is because the law typically bars a cheating spouse from receiving alimony. There is an exception if cutting them off completely would be a “manifest injustice” (like if they have major health issues or no way to support themselves). 

What about dividing the house, retirement accounts, or other marital assets? Virginia uses the concept of “equitable distribution” to divide property fairly. Adultery does not automatically mean the other spouse gets everything, but if the affair involved spending joint money on someone else, the court might award a larger share to the wronged spouse. 

Bottom line: adultery affects more than emotions. It affects the money, too.