When news broke that celebrities Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura were ending their marriage amid allegations of an affair, many people immediately asked the same question: Does cheating affect a divorce?
If you are navigating divorce in Cook County, DuPage County, or Lake County, Illinois, the answer may surprise you.
Who Are Jessi Draper and Jordan Ngatikaura?
Jessi Draper rose to fame on the Hulu reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where her marriage to Jordan Ngatikaura became a central storyline. The couple married in 2020 and share two children; Ngatikaura has a third child from a previous relationship.
Their relationship played out publicly, including a 90-day separation and Draper’s admission of an emotional affair with another reality TV personality—“Vanderpump Villa” star Marciano Brunette.
In March 2026, Ngatikaura officially filed for divorce in Utah after five years of marriage and months of highly publicized marital issues.
Like many celebrity divorces, the headlines focused on infidelity—but Illinois law focuses on something very different.
Illinois Is a “No-Fault” Divorce State
Illinois is strictly a no-fault divorce state, meaning the court does not consider wrongdoing like adultery when granting a divorce. Instead, the only legal ground is irreconcilable differences.
So even though Draper’s alleged affair made headlines, if this case were in Illinois, the court would not base the divorce itself on that conduct.
Affairs Typically Do NOT Affect Property Division
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a cheating spouse “loses everything.” That is simply not how Illinois law works.
In Illinois, marital property is divided based on equitable distribution, not punishment. Courts consider factors like:
- Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage
- The length of the marriage
- Economic circumstances
An affair by itself does not entitle one spouse to a larger share. The exception would be if marital funds were spent on the affair (gifts, trips, etc.), that could be considered dissipation of assets, which can impact division.
Affairs Rarely Impact Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance (alimony) is also not awarded or denied based on infidelity in Illinois.
Instead, courts look at:
- Income and earning capacity
- Duration of the marriage
- Standard of living
Even in a situation like Draper’s and Ngatikaura’s—where an affair was publicly acknowledged—maintenance would still be determined based on financial factors, not moral ones.
Parenting Decisions Focus on the Child—Not the Affair
When children are involved, Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child.
In Illinois, an affair would only matter if it directly impacted parenting—for example:
- Exposing children to unsafe environments
- Neglecting parental responsibilities
Otherwise, personal relationship issues between spouses are largely irrelevant to custody decisions.
In Draper’s and Ngatikaura’s case, they have publicly emphasized co-parenting their children moving forward. It appears they are committed to maintaining a civil relationship, which is really what it is in the children’s best interests.
The Bottom Line: Does an Affair Affect Divorce in Illinois?
Celebrity divorces like Draper’s and Ngatikaura’s often feel dramatic, emotional, and highly public—but Illinois family law is intentionally designed to keep that drama out of the courtroom as much as possible.
The court’s role remains focused on fairness, finances, and children—not blame.
Therefore, the general answer is: no—an affair does not directly impact divorce outcomes in Illinois.
But every case is fact-specific. Issues like dissipation of assets, parenting concerns, or financial complexity can still make a major difference.
Speak With an Illinois Divorce Attorney Today
If you are facing a divorce in Cook County, DuPage County, or Lake County, do not rely on celebrity headlines to understand your rights. Your case deserves a strategy grounded in Illinois law—not public perception.
At Hayes Law, LLC, our experienced attorneys help clients navigate complex, high-conflict divorces with clarity and confidence.
Call Hayes Law, LLC today to schedule a consultation and protect your future.
