Marital Fault in Equitable Distribution

Generally speaking, the marital fault or misconduct (adultery, cruelty or inhumane treatment, habitual drunkenness, drug addiction, nonsupport, etc.) of a party is not relevant in the equitable distribution proceeding.  However, if the misconduct has an economic impact on the parties’ financial condition, then the court may consider this and determine that an unequal distribution is equitable.