Cardi B and Offset Reconcile (again!): What does Reconciliation mean?

Rappers Cardi B and Offset (one member of the rap trio “Migos”) have publicly reconciled (again) after Cardi B filed for divorce in September 2020. The couple has been married for three years, by way of a private marriage ceremony in September 2017. They have a two year old daughter together, Kulture.

Cardi B and Offset infamously and publicly broke up in late 2018 after rumors surfaced that Offset had been unfaithful. They reunited in February and appeared together for the 2019 Grammys. In both instances where the relationship looked lost, Offset publicly campaigned to reconcile with Cardi B, using social media posts and lavish gifts. Cardi B acknowledged Offset’s infidelity and apparently forgave him.

It is not uncommon for young, married couples like these two to experience turbulence in their relationships. Cardi B has been very honest with the public about how her feelings have changed, sometimes drastically. However, reconciliation also occurs between couples of all ages, who may take into consideration the impact of divorce on their children or financial circumstances. Most divorce attorneys have had cases where couples, regardless of age, end up calling off their divorce at some point in the process – sometimes as late as in the courtroom!

Some couples even get divorced and then get remarried. One of our firm’s clients reconciled with his wife after going through with a divorce. Their amazing story was featured in the New York Times in January 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/03/fashion/weddings/Married-37-years-and-divorced-for-now-its-I-Do-Take-24.html?searchResultPosition=1

As touching as reconciliation stories can be, there are legal implications to consider in these situations. For example, if there is a separation agreement in place that does not have a reconciliation clause, reconciliation could render part, or all, of the agreement void. Reconciliation could likewise trigger the termination of any agreed-upon alimony awards. Reconciling can also upset or hinder the establishment of a new ‘status quo’ of newly separated couples with respect to child access schedules and/or monthly financial support.

In certain circumstances, if a party reconciles with their spouse who they believe, or know, to have been unfaithful (i.e. Cardi B and Offset), that reconciliation could condone/forgive the adultery by the cheating spouse in the eyes of the law. Considering that adultery is a ground for divorce in Maryland, and a factor in both awarding alimony and dividing the marital property of the parties, the consequences of reconciliation can be substantial. This potential scenario can represent a difficult situation for individuals who want to give their spouse and marriage another chance. In the worst of cases, a cheating spouse could “reconcile” with their spouse solely for the purpose of obtaining a condonation of their infidelity. Consulting with a divorce attorney before making such an important decision is a wise decision, if only to understand everything at stake.