Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse. Adultery is a leading cause of divorce, and in some states may be relevant in determining who was at fault for the breakup of the marriage, and whether the innocent spouse is entitled to an unequal division of the assets.
In Iowa, adultery is not treated as a criminal offense, but it can be considered when making decisions related to divorce. Iowa is a 'no-fault' divorce state, which means that a divorce can be granted without the need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. However, the court may take adultery into account when determining spousal support or the division of marital property. The impact of adultery on these decisions can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. It is important to note that while adultery may influence the financial aspects of a divorce, it does not typically affect child custody decisions unless the affair directly impacts the children's well-being.