Imagine this hypothetical: It was supposed to be a night of live music, nostalgia, and good vibes.

But during a sold-out Coldplay concert, a cell phone video makes its way to TikTok — and explodes. In the video of the concert’s jumbotron kiss cam: a well-known CEO swaying to “Fix You”… and very visibly and intimately holding and swaying with someone who is definitely not his spouse, but is definitely his (also-married) head of HR. Within hours, hashtags start trending after the two very obviously try to hide while being broadcast on the concert’s kiss cam. #ColdplayCheater. #YellowFlag. #NotSoParadise.

Within days, gossip blogs are asking: Is divorce on the horizon?

People across the country start rooting for their spouses to get big paydays in their respective divorces. One online comment after the other talks about the CEO’s wife taking him for every dime with this blatant evidence of infidelity. However, in Indiana, that wouldn’t necessarily be the case.

If Your Spouse Cheats, Do You Automatically Get More Money in the Divorce?

If the cheating CEO and/or HR Director’s marriages would end in Indiana, the answer might surprise you.

Indiana is what’s known as a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove cheating (or any wrongdoing) to get a divorce. All that’s required is an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”

In other words, even if your spouse humiliated you in front of thousands of concertgoers and millions more online, the fact that they cheated — or how publicly they did it — doesn’t increase your share of the marital estate.

Cheating ≠ More Money in the Divorce

Under Indiana Code § 31-15-7-5, the law presumes that all marital property (and debt) should be divided equally, regardless of whose name is on the title or account. This is called the “one-pot” presumption, and it applies across the board.

So unless you have a valid prenuptial agreement or other factors apply, the court starts with the assumption that each spouse is entitled to 50% of the marital assets.

Even if your spouse cheated with a front-row concert ticket in one hand and someone else’s waist grasped in the other, you’re not automatically entitled to more.

When Cheating Can Affect the Outcome: Dissipation of Assets

While the Coldplay scandal may not tip the financial scales on its own, there is one way infidelity could influence the division of money in an Indiana divorce: if your spouse wasted marital funds during the affair.

This is known as dissipation of assets — a legal term for when one spouse uses marital money for grossly inappropriate or wasteful non-marital purposes. Some examples include:

• Buying expensive gifts or jewelry for their affair partner
• Booking hotel rooms or secret vacations
• Paying rent or living expenses for a hidden second life
• Excessive spending tied to the extramarital relationship

If the betrayed spouse can prove that this happened, the court may award them a greater share of the remaining assets to offset the financial harm.

But without that kind of spending, the humiliation alone — even if it went viral — isn’t enough to change the division of property.

So, What If the Coldplay CEO Divorce Happens in Indiana?

If this rumored divorce plays out in Indiana family court, here’s the likely outcome:

• There won’t be any automatic legal penalty for cheating.
• Assets will be divided 50/50, unless either party proves a valid reason to deviate based on other factors which can include dissipation of assets.
• Dissipation could become a key issue if the cheating involved large financial gifts or secret expenses.
• Public embarrassment won’t translate to a bigger settlement.

The judge isn’t deciding who acted worse — they’re deciding what’s fair under the law. It is usually more of a math problem than a morality test.

Final Takeaway: Indiana Divorce Is About Financial Facts, Not Moral Fault

While the headlines may be juicy and the Coldplay memes brutal, Indiana courts focus on financial fairness, not emotional outrage. Being cheated on doesn’t guarantee you more money.

If you’re in a similar situation — with or without the viral video — understanding your rights is crucial.

Get Trusted Help from Indiana Divorce Attorneys

At BB&C, we’ve helped clients through high-conflict and high-visibility divorces. Whether your case involves infidelity, financial secrets, or just a relationship that’s run its course, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and strength. If you have questions or want to set up an appointment with our attorneys, please contact us and let us know how we can help.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.