Conservative podcaster and RiftTV CEO Elijah Schaffer filed for divorce from his wife Kezia in Palm Beach County, Florida in January 2026, according to Newsweek. The case became a national story in late March after leaked audio allegedly revealed a six-month affair with a colleague. For Florida residents watching this unfold, the case highlights critical realities about no-fault divorce, social media conduct during proceedings, and how infidelity intersects with equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Conservative influencer Elijah Schaffer filed for divorce in Palm Beach County, FL |
| When | Divorce filed January 2026; scandal broke late March/April 2026 |
| Where | Palm Beach County Circuit Court, Florida |
| Who is affected | Schaffer, his wife Kezia, their children, and colleague Sarah Stock |
| Key Florida statute | Fla. Stat. § 61.075 (equitable distribution and adultery consideration) |
| Public impact | Case spotlights how social media behavior during divorce can affect outcomes in Florida courts |
Florida Is a No-Fault Divorce State, But Adultery Still Matters
Florida dissolved the requirement to prove fault grounds for divorce decades ago. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.052, the only ground required is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." This means neither Schaffer nor his spouse needs to prove infidelity, abandonment, or any other misconduct to obtain a divorce in Palm Beach County.
That said, adultery is not legally irrelevant in Florida. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.08, courts may consider the adultery of either spouse when determining alimony awards. Florida judges have discretion to weigh marital misconduct, including affairs, when deciding the amount and duration of spousal support. A 2024 Florida appellate decision reaffirmed that trial courts retain broad discretion to factor adultery into alimony determinations when it has direct economic impact on the marriage.
Adultery can also influence equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075, particularly when marital funds were used to support the extramarital relationship. Florida courts have historically examined whether a spouse dissipated marital assets by spending money on an affair partner, including gifts, travel, rent payments, or other financial support. If proven, the court may adjust the property division to account for those dissipated funds.
Social Media Posts During Divorce Can Become Evidence in Florida Courts
One of the most legally significant aspects of this case for Florida residents is the role of social media. The Daily Beast and other outlets reported that Schaffer posted now-deleted tweets claiming his wife and children were "missing," triggering widespread public attention. In Florida divorce proceedings, social media posts are routinely admitted as evidence under Florida Rule of Evidence 90.401 for relevance.
Florida family law attorneys report that approximately 80% of divorce cases now involve some form of social media evidence, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Posts, direct messages, photos, and even deleted content recovered through discovery can all be presented to a judge. Florida courts have admitted Facebook posts, Instagram stories, and Twitter threads as evidence of lifestyle, spending habits, parenting conduct, and infidelity.
For anyone going through a divorce in Florida, the practical rule is straightforward: assume that everything you post online will be read aloud in a courtroom. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.13, which governs parenting and time-sharing, a judge evaluates the "moral fitness" of each parent. Public social media meltdowns, inflammatory posts about a spouse, or erratic online behavior can directly influence custody determinations.
How Florida Handles High-Profile Divorces With Public Figures
Florida court records are generally public under Florida's broad public records laws, commonly known as the Sunshine Law. Divorce filings in Palm Beach County Circuit Court are accessible through the Clerk of Court's online portal. However, Florida law does provide mechanisms to protect sensitive information.
Under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, parties can move to seal specific records containing confidential information, including financial affidavits, business valuations, and details involving minor children. In high-profile cases involving public figures, Florida judges sometimes grant protective orders limiting the disclosure of financial details or children's identifying information.
Florida requires both parties in a divorce to file a Financial Affidavit under Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.285. This mandatory disclosure includes income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. For a media company CEO, this would typically encompass business income, intellectual property valuations, and digital media revenue streams. Florida courts treat business interests acquired during the marriage as marital property subject to equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075.
Practical Takeaways for Florida Residents
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Stop posting on social media immediately after filing for divorce. Florida courts admit social media evidence in virtually every contested case. Even deleted posts can be recovered through forensic discovery. The safest approach is a complete social media blackout until your case is resolved.
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Document any suspected dissipation of marital assets. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.075, Florida courts can adjust equitable distribution if one spouse spent marital funds on an extramarital relationship. Gather bank statements, credit card records, and Venmo or PayPal transaction histories showing unexplained expenditures.
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Understand that Florida's no-fault system does not mean adultery has zero legal consequences. While you do not need to prove fault to obtain a divorce under Fla. Stat. § 61.052, infidelity can influence alimony awards under Fla. Stat. § 61.08 and asset division when it involves financial misconduct.
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If children are involved, focus every decision on the best interests standard. Florida's parenting statute, Fla. Stat. § 61.13, lists 20 specific factors courts evaluate when creating parenting plans. Public disputes, inflammatory statements about the other parent, and erratic behavior all weigh against the offending party.
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Consult a Florida family law attorney before making any public statements about your divorce. What feels cathartic on social media can become a liability in court. An experienced attorney can advise on what communications are protected and what could damage your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adultery affect divorce outcomes in Florida?
Yes. While Florida is a no-fault divorce state under Fla. Stat. § 61.052, adultery directly impacts alimony determinations under Fla. Stat. § 61.08. Courts may increase or decrease alimony based on a spouse's infidelity, and judges can adjust equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075 if marital assets were spent on an affair.
Can deleted social media posts be used as evidence in a Florida divorce?
Absolutely. Florida courts routinely admit recovered social media content as evidence under Florida Rule of Evidence 90.401. Forensic specialists can recover deleted posts, messages, and photos through electronic discovery. Approximately 80% of divorce cases now involve social media evidence, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Are Florida divorce records public?
Florida divorce filings are public records under the Florida Sunshine Law. Palm Beach County Circuit Court records are searchable online through the Clerk's portal. However, parties can petition to seal sensitive financial information or details involving minor children under Florida Rule 2.420, which requires showing a compelling interest that outweighs the public's right of access.
How does Florida divide a business owned by one spouse?
Florida treats any increase in business value during the marriage as a marital asset subject to equitable distribution under Fla. Stat. § 61.075. Courts typically hire forensic accountants to value the business. The non-owner spouse may receive a percentage of the marital portion of the business value, which can include goodwill, intellectual property, and revenue streams built during the marriage.
What should I do first if my spouse files for divorce in Florida?
Hire a Florida family law attorney immediately. Under Florida Family Law Rule 12.285, you have 45 days to file mandatory financial disclosures after being served. Stop posting on social media, secure copies of all financial documents, and do not move money or assets without legal guidance. Florida courts impose sanctions for hiding or dissipating assets during divorce proceedings.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.