North Carolina is one of only six states that allows aggrieved spouses to sue a lover for allegedly destroying the marital relationship. While an alienation of affection claim is most often used to sue a spouse’s paramour, it can include any third party that deprived a spouse of the love and affection of their spouse, even meddling in-laws.
In recent years, North Carolina juries have awarded substantial judgments to spouses who have filed alienation of affection lawsuits against their spouse’s lover. Recent and notable judgments following an alienation of affection trial have ranged from $750,000.00 to $30 million.
Despite these sizable judgments, claims for alienation of affection are notoriously difficult to prove. A successful claim requires a wronged spouse to prove that prior to any separation of the spouses, genuine love and affection existed within the marriage, that the love and affection was destroyed, and that a third party was the cause of this destruction.
Finding yourself as an accused third party in an alienation of affection lawsuit can be stressful. The skilled trial attorneys at Dysart Willis have successfully represented clients who have found themselves in this exact position. Their experience has guided them to develop strategies for successfully defending these actions, including potential removal of the litigation from state to federal court.
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dysart Willis serves clients both across the state and country in complex antitrust matters, Grand Jury investigation, and federal criminal litigation. The attorneys at Dysart Willis pride themselves on offering transparent and accessible legal representation and on the favorable results they have achieved for their clients.