Criminal Conversation in North Carolina
By Hopper Law Firm
Apr. 14, 2011 2:35p
North Carolina is one of the few states that allow a jilted spouse to sue a third party for allegedly destroying a marriage. In alienation of affection cases, the defendant is typically the adulterous spouse’s lover.
When an outsider interferes with a marriage in North Carolina, that person can be forced to pay big bucks for their actions. In 1997, a jury awarded $1.2 million against a female paramour in Forsyth County, while awarding another jilted wife $1 million in Alamance County. In 1984, the Supreme Court showed no interest in abolishing these types of causes for action, nor has the legislature; therefore any jilted spouse can still pursue damages against an adulterous spouse’s lover for their role in “criminal conversation.” If you are interested in filing an alienation of affection law suit, then contact a Raleigh family law attorney for more information about your legal rights.
Criminal Conversation and Alienation of Affection
What is criminal conversation? Criminal conversation is used interchangeably with adultery. Adultery refers to extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations.
In North Carolina, a jilted spouse can bring an alienation of affections suit against the third party who is allegedly responsible for the breakup of the marriage. Prior to 2009, such lawsuits could only be filed for conduct prior to separation; however the law was changed in October of 2009, which made the tort of criminal conversation applied to post-separation conduct as well. Over the years, North Carolina has had numerous bills to abolish the tort, however each time the legislature declined to do so.
Raleigh Alienation of Affection Attorney
If you have been victimized by your spouse and their lover or, anyone else who has wrongfully contributed to the dissolution of your marriage, then do not hesitate to contact a Raleigh alienation of affection lawyer from Hopper Law Firm, PLLC.
Contact a Raleigh alienation of affection attorney from our firm for a free initial consultation.
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