How Often Do Men (and Women) Cheat?

[Image from heartandsoulreflections.com]

We have seen a lot in the news media lately about the topics of adultery and children being born out of wedlock.  I would imagine some of you are immediately thinking about the case of former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  I have certainly posted here about issues presented by his separation and alleged infidelity lately!  But, of course, Mr. Schwarzenegger is not the first wealthy man to admit to infidelity, or to get caught "running around," is he? 

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we often see allegations of adultery, cheating, or "fooling around."  In this divorce law blog, we have also occasionally discussed the amount of proof which is necessary in order to prove adultery, which is a fault ground for a divorce in Georgia.

But just how common is adultery?  According to once source, http://www.truthaboutdeception.com/, between 30% and 60% of all married people will commit adultery at some point.  (Do you believe the actual number of cheaters is at the high end or low end of this range?)  In addition, up to 3% of all children are allegedly the product of an adulterous relationship.  And get this, according to this source, most of these children who are born out of wedlock are unwittingly raised by the married partner who is not their biological father. 

I guess the point of this post is that, while we may read about celebrity adultery, these celebrities certainly did not invent it.  "For better of for worse," adultery and children being born out of wedlock are quite common and occur in all parts of our society.  They always have been and always will be.  What do you think?

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Schwarzenegger and Shriver

[Photo from Wikipedia]

Did you hear the latest celebrity news from California?  According to various reports, actor-former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his spouse, Maria Shriver, have separated.  Of course, with the former governor moving back into acting, after a busy political career, this is a time of stressful transition for the couple.  According to reports, they have been married for 25 years and have four children.

At this time, the couple has reportedly only separated.  Divorce has not been publicly mentioned.  Only they should know about or decide what happens next.  But doesn't this case once again illustrate that celebrity couples generally face the same issues as other couples?  Career changes and other life transitions can be difficult for anyone.  However, celebrity couples must also contend with the added stressors associated with public life, too! 

Here's hoping that, after 25 years of marriage and four kids, they will deal with the transition and find the right answers for them!