Mark & Jenny Sanford: Hiking the Appalachian Trail to Argentina
A governor vanished for six days, claimed he was hiking, and was actually with his Argentine mistress
Key Facts
What Happened
In June 2009, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford disappeared for six days without telling anyone in state government where he was going. His staff told reporters he was 'hiking the Appalachian Trail.' The phrase became an instant euphemism for infidelity when Sanford returned and tearfully confessed at a press conference that he had actually been in Buenos Aires, Argentina, visiting Maria Belen Chapur, a woman he called his 'soul mate.'
Jenny Sanford, a Georgetown-educated investment banker who had managed her husband's campaigns and was widely regarded as the brains behind his political career, had discovered the affair months earlier in January 2009 when she found a love letter Sanford had written to Chapur. She confronted him and they began a trial separation, but Sanford continued the relationship. Jenny later revealed she had asked him not to visit Chapur but he went anyway.
Jenny Sanford filed for divorce on December 11, 2009, citing adultery as grounds. The divorce was finalized on March 18, 2010. Jenny became a public figure in her own right, writing the memoir Staying True about her experience. She notably refused to play the role of the 'stand by your man' political wife, declining to appear at her husband's confession press conference.
The settlement terms were sealed by court order but included joint custody of their four sons and child support provisions. Mark Sanford was censured by the state legislature but not impeached. He later won a congressional seat in 2013 and eventually married Chapur in 2019. Jenny Sanford rebuilt her life in Charleston, becoming a successful businesswoman and advocate for women's empowerment.
Legal Breakdown: Fault-Based Divorce Grounds
Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce in South Carolina
South Carolina allows fault-based divorce on grounds including adultery. Jenny Sanford filed on adultery grounds, which can affect alimony awards. In fault states, proving adultery may entitle the innocent spouse to greater financial support or a larger share of marital assets.
Sealed Settlement Agreements
The Sanfords' financial settlement was sealed by court order to protect their children's privacy. Courts may seal divorce records when minor children are involved or when public disclosure would cause undue harm. This is more common in cases involving public figures.
Abandonment of Duties
Sanford abandoned his gubernatorial duties for six days without notifying the lieutenant governor or staff, raising constitutional questions. While this did not directly affect the divorce, it demonstrates how personal crisis can create professional liability and complicate negotiations.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →You do not have to stand next to your spouse at their scandal press conference. Jenny Sanford showed that dignity and self-respect are not negotiable.
- →Fault-based divorce grounds like adultery can meaningfully affect alimony and property division in states that still recognize them.
- →Sealed settlements protect children but also prevent public accountability. Weigh privacy against transparency carefully.
- →When a spouse continues an affair after being caught, it is a clear signal that the marriage cannot be saved. Act decisively to protect yourself.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.