Schwarzenegger Says Affair With Housekeeper "the Stupidest Thing"

Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes lead to negative consequences in a marriage. In fact, errors in spousal judgment lead many Colorado couples to separate and eventually divorce. Such was the case for actor and former Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose affair with the family's housekeeper provoked his wife Maria Shriver to file for divorce.

During an interview on "60 Minutes" to promote his autobiography, the 65-year-old former Republican "Governator" admitted the affair was "the stupidest thing" he had ever done to his estranged wife, and that he had caused a lot of pain to their kids. Schwarzenegger had the affair with the housekeeper approximately 15 years ago, which led to the woman giving birth to a son a few days after Shriver had her youngest child.

News of the affair broke in Jan. 2011, and Shriver eventually filed for divorce in July of this year. Details of the couple's high-asset divorce quickly followed.

Not all marriages in which one spouse engages in an extramarital affair end in divorce. Sometimes couples are able to work things out and avoid the necessity of a complex divorce settlement.

For Denver County spouses who choose to part ways, it is important to consult with a family law attorney who can help clarify matters of property division, alimony, child custody, child support, and other issues related to the end of a marriage. Divorcing couples should take time to learn about their rights and legal alternatives to protect themselves, their children, and their assets.

Source: KEYC TV, "Schwarzenegger: Shriver changed tune on recall run," Juliet Williams and Michael R. Blood, Sept. 28, 2012

Tags: alimony, child custody, child support, division of property, divorce

Related PostsWhat are acceptable grounds for a divorce in Colorado?Infidelity and how it relates to divorceReview of legal separation in ColoradoWhy should I consider a prenuptial agreement?

Categories