divorce360.com provides help, advice and community for people
contemplating, going through or recovering from divorce and the issues around it,
including separation, divorce laws, spousal support and emotional issues.

ADVERTISING PARTNERS


Answers
You can search for Answers by tag here:

Invite Others
Invite friends and family to join you on d360! - Click here
where do I start
Our checklists are a great place to start. Or, get a quick review of your state's divorce laws with our Legal Cheat Sheet.
  Posted to group - Cheating spouses    <<Previous    Next>>

Child of Adultery

Looking for some answers. My wife just admitted committing adultery 13 years ago - within a week of our 17th wedding anniversary - and that our (now) 12 yr old daughter is a product of that affair. She SAYS it was a one-time thing with sympathetic co-worker, but I don't know if I should believe that or not. I've learned that most of these "emotional" affairs with co-workers are not one-nighters, but longer relationships. She had always denied the affair - even when I confronted her days after it happened. I had suspicions, but NEVER in my heart believed that she had cheated on me. So, when she vehemently denied it, I decided that she had NOT, and let it go. To make things worse, the co-worker was a slow,weird, strange guy that every one felt sorry for. Not one single person - much less woman - would have anything to do with him. He worked in the church kitchen with my wife. She says he does NOT know that he is the real father. This just makes the whole thing even MORE humilating, knowing what kind of guy she chose to cheat with. My wife of 17 yrs (at the time) cheats on me with the town half-wit that no respectable woman would even hold hands with, much less have sex. It's not enough that my wife is a cheat, she's a STUPID cheat that gets pregnant. And the only reason she told me now, was because she trapped herself when we were arguing. Once it came out, she told me everything - or so she says. I'm still not convinced. She says it was not premeditated and that it just "happened" and that she was "stupid" and it was just a "mistake." And, of course, even though they used a condom (so she says) - she still got pregnant. She says it just happened the ONE time - which I still find hard to believe. To her, it happened a long time ago and is old news that she got over a long time ago. To me, however, it's like it JUST happened - and SHE doesn't understand that. So I've raised this bastard child as my own, never knowing until now. I've paid ALL the bills, loving this child as my own - all the while my wife knew better. My questions after all of this: HOW do I come to grips with this and stay married to this woman? How can I EVER trust her again? How do I NOT let this affect the way I treat the child? It's not her fault. Do I let her (and him) get off scott-free, with no one ever knowing except me? Do I tell others in the family? How could she deceive me like that? The deception hurts worse than the actual adulterous act. - Socrates

by Socrates   2 Posts 
Posted on 11/30/2007 4:23 PM
Get AlertsGet Alerts!
Sent to Friendsend to friend
1

Tags: adultery , infidelity


Answers for "Child of Adultery"  (6) (You must be logged in to answer)




I am the wife of a husband who has been caught cheating on me several times. Let me speak from experience. Anger will get you no where. I have learned through the years that in order for me to have any integrity for myself, I have to hold my head high. Yes, this is a tough egg to swallow. Cheating is the greatest heartache I have ever suffered. Even though the sexual act probably only lasted 15 minutes, the years of lies and deceit are the worst pain I could ever imagine. It is easy for us to jump on our soap boxes and proclaim that we are the greatest people in the world, but in hindsight, we are human beings making stupid mistakes. Infidelity is everywhere. We are getting screwed by our government, our policies and yes our spouses. The innocence of children is getting lost in the anger of the adults. Honesty is a word used to write up a profile with a dating service. Integrity is something we all wish we had. The common respect that we are supposed to have for our neighbors and fello
by Imubiquity   7 Posts
Posted on 12/3/2007 12:51 PM
0





I really think you should seek therapy right away. THis is a bad situation and not your fault and not her fault. I can understand how you would be so confused and angry and upset with everyone and worried about evyerything. You shoudl talk to a professional as quickly as you can to sort these feelings out and you should talk to a lawyer too to find out what your rights are.
by dylan   63 Posts
Posted on 12/3/2007 10:22 AM
0





I understand that it is NOT her fault. But in reality, it DOES change things. Plus, the bastard designation is simply that: an accurate designation. No matter how MUCH we hate it (including me) - it IS true - thanks to her (biological) parents adultery. This is another horrible part of the whole scenario. Supposedly the real father doesn't know - but what it he DOES find out and comes calling. I would have NO legal right to deny him access to HIS daughter. Even if I did NOT, there could still be court battles over custody, visitation, etc. It's a potential NIGHTMARE, that's not MY fault or the girl's. But it's a fact that I can't deny because it's unpleasant. I am desperately trying to NOT treat the girl differently, but it is very difficult. And, yes, it DOES change things. Socrates
by Socrates   2 Posts
Posted on 12/3/2007 9:48 AM
1





I am not sure how I would deal with your wife...this would hurt me deeply as well. I am sure that I would not let this affect my relationship with your daughter...she is your daughter and nothing will change that. So, try to keep everything cool with your daughter....perhaps counseling is the answer with your wife. With this level of deception, a professional is probably the best person to get advice from. Good Luck and take care of that daughter of yours.
by John Smith   
Posted on 11/30/2007 4:59 PM
3





Please dont take it out on the child. She has been your daughter up until now so why you would call her a bastard child is hurtful even to me. Yes, its water under the bridge but once trust is broken, its really hard to get it back. You might want to seek marriage counseling to deal with this. Do you love her?? If you do, find a way to work thru it. If what has happened is too much to bare, then you need to do what you need to do regarding the marriage. You careful how you deal with the child though...12 is a tough age anyway, and remember, it wasnt her fault.
by Lori-Woodall   923 Posts
Posted on 11/30/2007 4:51 PM
4





That is terrible...but that little girl is YOUR daughter. She is YOUR daughter and you love her and she loves you and you've been her one and only FATHER and always will be her one and only FATHER...and she has nothing at all to do with any of this. You love her and you need to not let this information change anything at all with her. How does it change anything with your daughter? It doesn't! I don't know what you should do about your wife, but your daughter only has you as a father and she is your only daughter for life. Please don't do anything that will change that relationship. Millions of people raise children that are adopted and they know this from the start and love them. This child you raised from the day she was born. She is YOUR child.
by samantha   83 Posts
Posted on 11/30/2007 4:42 PM
2







Divorce360.com is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer, accountant, financial planner, therapist or other professional to obtain advice. Divorce360.com is not intended to, and should not, take the place of professional advice. The opinions expressed in the divorce360.com message boards are those of the author and the author alone. Divorce360.com does not endorse any specific product or service.

 
divorce Community::
popular blogs
Is the way iam reacting normal???Ever since my husband cheated
on me i have been crying almost every day. I feel so worthless and i am so...read more 

What will be my breaking point?
What will be my breaking point?   When will I say ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Look I am...read more 

What a crazy 2 years
Well it's been a crazy 2 years.  I felt this overwhelming feeling of an...read more 

get/give answers
Email Cheating husband refuses divorce
A variety of email affairs/flirtations between my husband and several other...Read Answers/share yours 

New wife taking to much control
My first wife cheated on me and I divorced her in February of 08. We had only...Read Answers/share yours 

what the hell to do
. Wow,  taking care of 4 children I cannot afford a divorce. Look I love my...Read Answers/share yours 

expert Q&As
Faith Therapy : Does a Separation Work?
My Husband and I Are Having Trouble. Is It a Good Idea for Us to Separate?...read more 

Stress Relief: Tips to Help after Separation
Mental Health: Overwhelmed by Changes in Household Routine. What Should I do?...read more 

About Law: Do Divorce Kits Work?
Legal: What You Should Consider When You Think About Divorcing Using a Kit...read more 

expand information center
divorce360.com's ecards
divorce focused content ::
divorce most popular ::
1. When Is a Marriage Worth Saving?
10 Things to Think About When Considering Whether to Stick with a Relationship

2. 8 Things No One Ever Tells You about Divorce
Number Three May Surprise You

3. Divorcing? 15 Costly Financial Mistakes
Settlements: 15 Critical Financial Mistakes Often Made in the Heat of Divorce

4. Beginning Checklist: Planning to File for Divorce
12 Steps to Consider if You or Your Partner Have Decided to File for Divorce

5. Are You Ready For Divorce?
Three Key Questions You Must Ask Yourself