About 7% of all marriages in the United States will end up in divorce, according to the US Census Bureau.
Infidelity is one of the leading causes of failed marriages. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that between 20% and 40% of all divorces are due to cheating partners.
However, infidelity allegations aren’t always factual or accurate. Some claims are purely fabricated lies, some are blown out of proportion, while others are fueled by underlying insecurities. Moreover, there are instances where the accused is guilty as charged, even if they won’t readily admit it.
When divorce proceedings are marred by accusations and counteraccusations of infidelity, taking a polygraph test can improve the outcome by validating the couple’s claims. Read on as we delve into the role of polygraphs in divorce disputes.
Using Polygraphs to Resolve Infidelity Claims
If a divorce is riddled by infidelity claims, the accused partner may need to prepare a disclosure statement detailing their sexual activities and interests over the period they were married to their current partner. The objective of a lie detector test is to validate the accuracy of these statements.
A polygrapher, typically under the guidance of a therapist, will ask a series of questions to confirm or challenge the assertions in the disclosure statement and hopefully get to the bottom of the cheating allegations.
The questions mostly border on the subject’s sexual history, including sexual activities conducted over the internet, like visiting pornographic websites or engaging in cybersex. Each question attracts a flat Yes or No answer, which helps to expedite the test.
In certain cases and upon a therapist’s recommendation, the betrayed partner may also be required to undergo a polygraph test to verify their accusations.
Other Applications of Polygraphs in Divorce Proceedings
1. Asset Division
If a relationship is irreparably broken and a couple must go their separate ways, disputes in asset division are bound to arise.
Polygraph exams can be useful in uncovering the truth behind asset ownership claims.
2. Child Support
It’s not uncommon for divorcing partners to lie about their actual income and investments, ostensibly to escape child support responsibilities.
Administering a polygraph test can sift fact from allegations, ensuring that each parent contributes equitably towards supporting their children’s welfare.
3. Rebuilding Trust
Divorce disputes don’t need to escalate to eventual separation. There’s always sufficient room to make amends and restore a broken relationship.
Whether conflicts in a marriage are due to infidelity, lack of commitment, or spousal abuse, undergoing polygraph testing might help the couple rebuild trust. Findings from polygraph tests can validate the truthfulness of disclosure statements, enabling the betrayed spouse to regain confidence in their partner.
Case Study of Using Polygraphs in Divorce Disputes
A case study published in the New York Times underscores the imperative of integrating polygraph tests into divorce disputes. In this study, a couple recounts how mutual truth-telling during a polygraph exam pulled their marriage from the brink.
Before being polygraphed, the couple’s union was riddled by claims of infidelity and lack of commitment. They willfully consented to the tests, hoping that each partner’s suspicions would be confirmed.
However, they were able to embrace their past failings, choosing to use them as a stepping stone towards building a more blissful marriage.
Demystifying the Accuracy of Polygraph Tests
Although polygraphs are a reliable way to resolve disputes during divorce proceedings, they’re not foolproof.
Numerous factors can impact the accuracy of these tests, including the examiner’s experience and the examinee’s physical and mental disposition.
Due diligence is critical when choosing a polygraph examiner. Prioritize an individual who graduated from an accredited polygraph school and has a track record of administering polygraphs in therapeutic settings.
Other Critical Considerations
Besides insisting on professional polygraphers, couples must willfully consent to being polygraphed. Any findings from polygraph tests where the subject was coerced are invalid.
Above all, all polygraphs must be approached with an open mind. Results from evaluations should be used only to confirm or deny serious claims during divorce disputes, alongside other vital evidence.
The Truth About Polygraph Tests in Divorce Disputes
Polygraph tests can play a critical role in resolving disputes during divorce processes.
Besides assisting in catching the cheating partner in a lie, polygraphs may also help to restore a fractured relationship by rebuilding trust between couples. The tests can corroborate the betraying partner’s claims of turning over a new leaf, providing a genuine pathway to spousal reconciliation.
However, polygraph exams must be professionally administered to yield credible results. Insist on having the tests conducted by a licensed examiner affiliated with reputable organizations.
More importantly, a polygraph exam shouldn’t be the first line of defense during divorce disputes. Instead, a couple should only resort to being polygraphed where there are legitimate accusations.
