Alienation of Affection, Marriage, and Lawsuits.

Ever heard of “Heart Balm” laws?
You might want to look them up-- or you could end up being sued by your ex-fiancé.

A cuckolded plumber from Mississippi recently won $750,000 in a similar case, suing his ex-wife’s millionaire lover (and employer) for “alienation of affection” and stealing his bride. Plumber Johnny Valentine had his case when a paternity test confirmed that his wife’s child had been sired by another man.

The Associated Press quotes the Mississippi high court as saying that the purpose of such a suit is “the protection of love, society, companionship, and comfort that form the foundation of a marriage.” A bold statement for a court interfering in the sex lives of consenting (if not so mature) adults.

 

Alienation of affection lawsuits are still active in Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. So if you’re living in one of these states and considering an extramarital affair, beware of local laws.

Living in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia? You can take a deep breath and relax, because these states have all put Heart Balm laws in place for your protection. If you aren’t under the protection of these or similar laws in your State, think twice before you slip on that engagement ring. You could be sued for loss of benefits related to marriage, losses incurred as a result of a broken promise to marry, and even emotional damage such as anxiety, stress, or depression-- all because you changed your mind about getting hitched.

by Kate Beall