Once you step outside your door, there’s a fairly good chance that someone has a camera on you. Whether it’s a Ring device, security camera or someone carrying a smartphone, you could get caught on video engaging in activity that you’d prefer to remain private. An extreme example of this occurred at the now-famous July Coldplay concert in Massachusetts.
When the band’s camera crew spanned the audience, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron appeared on stadium screens with his arms around the company’s head of HR, Kristin Cabot. Both executives are married to other people, and their dramatic, embarrassed reaction indicated that they were not ready for the true nature of their relationship to go public. Of course, those reactions made the scene spread even faster across the internet, and drew a comment from Coldplay singer Chris Martin as well.
Omnipresent surveillance creates a landscape where a cheating husband or wife could get captured on video in a variety of different ways. Even if millions of people don’t see the footage, one clip could do significant damage to your marriage and your divorce case. There are also instances where innocent behavior is misinterpreted by a viewer.
Though New York continues to include adultery as a divorce ground, infidelity is usually not determinative in marriage dissolution cases, even when a spouse is captured in an embarrassing situation. However, there are cases where marital property decisions can be affected if a spouse is shown to have secretly spent money carrying on an affair. Video could also show that a parent or their new partner engages in behavior that puts children at risk.
Individuals must be cognizant of the ways in which their actions are continually monitored and potentially recorded. With no real way to undo the pervasiveness of cameras in public places, the best solution is probably to avoid activity that you wouldn’t want your spouse to see. It might have been difficult for the Coldplay couple to have quiet conversations with their respective spouses about the fact that they had found someone new, but in retrospect, they probably wish they had.
Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you evaluate your options in a supportive setting. If you decide to end your marriage, your lawyer can advise on ways to complete the divorce process successfully.
Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. is the Long Island divorce leader, and our experienced New York attorneys handle all types of marriage dissolution matters. By working personally with you, we’ll develop a strategy based on your particular situation and goals. Please call 631-388-6009 or contact us online for an appointment.