Kansas City, MO - March 12, 2025 - Kansas Legal Group, a leading family law firm serving Kansas and Missouri, is examining the state’s outdated adultery law, which remains classified as a Class C misdemeanor under Kansas Statute § 21-5511. According to the firm, while prosecutions under the law are virtually nonexistent, its continued presence raises questions about the relevance of outdated family laws in modern legal proceedings.
Kansas is one of the few remaining states where adultery is still technically a crime, with penalties of up to one month in jail and a fine. However, Kansas Legal Group says that the law holds no practical weight in modern divorce cases. Courts in Kansas follow a no-fault divorce system. This means adultery doesn’t impact a spouse’s ability to file for a divorce or influence the division of assets or spousal support.
“In reality, nobody – including the courts – cares whether a spouse has cheated unless it directly affects legal issues within the divorce,” says Igers Vangjeli, Managing Attorney at Kansas Legal Group. “Yet, while criminal charges are virtually unheard of, adultery can still play a role in divorce proceedings – not because of the statute itself, but due to the financial and emotional fallout that often follows infidelity.”
When Infidelity Becomes a Factor in Divorce
Kansas courts prioritize financial and parental concerns over personal conduct in divorce cases. However, Kansas Legal Group notes that adultery can play a role in specific legal disputes, including:
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Child Custody Decisions: Courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. If a parent introduces a new partner too soon after a separation, it may create emotional instability for the child, potentially impacting custody decisions.
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Financial Impact of an Affair: If marital funds were used to support an extramarital relationship, such as expenses related to travel, gifts, or housing, courts may take this into account when dividing assets.
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Emotional and Legal Strategy: While adultery does not carry direct legal penalties in family law cases, it can influence negotiations and prolong legal disputes.
“In most cases, adultery is not a determining factor in family law rulings,” said Vanjeli. “However, if it impacts finances or child custody, it can become part of the legal discussion.”
Legislative Inaction and Outdated Family Laws
Kansas Legal Group attributes the continued presence of the adultery statute to legislative inaction rather than legal necessity. Many states have repealed similar laws, recognizing that they no longer serve a functional purpose in family law.
“Eliminating outdated laws requires legislative action, and statutes like Kansas’ adultery law often remain in place because they are not actively enforced,” Vangjeli explained. “Until lawmakers formally repeal it, Kansas will remain one of the few states where infidelity is technically a crime, despite having no legal impact in court.”
Legal Guidance on Modern Family Laws
Kansas Legal Group remains committed to helping individuals navigate divorce, custody disputes, and financial settlements with legal strategies grounded in current laws and court practices. As outdated statutes like the adultery law continue to cause confusion, the firm ensures that clients receive accurate, up-to-date legal advice tailored to their specific situations.
“Outdated laws can create confusion, but individuals should focus on what actually matters in Kansas courts today,” said Vanjeli. “Our firm helps clients navigate divorce and family law cases with strategies that align with modern legal realities.”
For more information about Kansas Legal Group and its legal services, visit https://kansaslegalgroup.com/.
About Kansas Legal Group
Kansas Legal Group is a leading Kansas City divorce attorney, offering experienced legal representation in divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. With a client-focused approach, the firm provides strategic guidance to help individuals navigate family law matters with confidence.
Media Contact
Company Name: Kansas Legal Group
Contact Person: Igers Vangjeli
Email: Send Email
Phone: (913)-565-7318
Country: United States
Website: https://kansaslegalgroup.com/
