Alienation of Affection Claims
Seven states in the United States recognize alienation of affection claims. This type of claim allows a spouse to sue third parties that they allege interfered in their marriages. While Iowa is not one of the states that recognize alienation of affections claims, a recent North Carolina case caught my eye. Under centuries-old North Carolina case law, a woman sued her husband's alleged mistress for alienation of affection. She claimed that the mistress had deliberately seduced her husband and caused the demise of her lengthy marriage. A jury agreed with her and awarded her $5 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages to be paid by the mistress. The mistress has indicated she will appeal the decision.
