A LITTLE-KNOWN marriage law means Americans can be forced to pay thousands, if not millions, of dollars for home wrecking even if they’ve not had an affair.
Heartbroken spouses in a number of states can deploy the “heart balm” law to turn their pain into a huge payout.
A prime example of this is playing out in a Moore County Superior Court in North Carolina, where ex-Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema is accused of having an ongoing affair with a married bodyguard.
Heather Ammel who filed the alienation of affection lawsuit, seen by Fox News Digital, claims Sinema intentionally went after her husband Matthew, despite knowing he was a married father.
She accused Sinema of sending “romantic and lascivious” messages, buying him lots of gifts, and even inviting him on holidays.
Under the alienation of affection law, spouses can target a third party for intentionally breaking up a marriage or interfering in the love and affection between the couple.
FEE SPREE
Homeowners face $100 charge under new HOA law – and the fines could rise higher
BLAST FROM PAST
Costco shoppers risk losing major wholesale discounts thanks to a 1930s law
They can then be ordered to pay for damages for the loss of affection and subsequent emotional distress which can sometimes reach millions of dollars, per Fox.
While many states have abolished the outdated law, it is still active in: North Carolina, Mississippi, South Dakota, Utah, Hawaii and New Mexico.
“These laws are designed to reinforce the marital bond and secure the importance of fidelity in marriage,” University of Virginia sociologist and family scholar Brad Wilcox told Fox.
But in an unusual twist, to be the punished third party, you do not actually have to be the one having an affair.
While it is usually the affair partner, spouses can also file these civil complaints against friends, family members, and even counselors.
Sexual infidelity also does not need to take place, as it centers more on affection.
