Can you get in trouble for being a homewrecker?

Asked by: Beatrice Fahey  |  Last update: April 11, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (5 votes)

Most states have since done away with the law. In 1992, the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed, according to the Washington Post, that “affection between spouses cannot be owned.” But for the six states that kept the law, it's still a basis for civil complaints and continues to be used.

What states are homewrecker laws in?

The term is "alienation of affection" and is available in Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah.

Can I sue a homewrecker for emotional distress?

You need to have a ``cause of action'' to potentially be able to sue for them. Based upon what you've told me, it sounds as though ``Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)'' would be the closest cause of action that you could use.

Can you get in trouble for infidelity?

In a large majority of US jurisdictions, adultery is no longer a crime (assuming the sexual act is consensual and not incestuous) including 35 US states, the District of Columbia, and the several US territories.

What states can you sue for alienation of affection?

Most states adopted such laws in the 19th century. Later, wives were given the power to sue, too. Today, alienation of affection is cause for legal action in only eight states: Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.

3 Simple Rules For Being A Homewrecker

16 related questions found

Is alienation of affection a criminal offense?

Alienation of affections is a common law tort, abolished in many jurisdictions. Where it still exists, an action is brought by a spouse against a third party alleged to be responsible for damaging the marriage, most often resulting in divorce.

Can I sue the other woman for destroying my marriage?

The possibility of suing another woman for destroying a marriage depends on the jurisdiction in which you reside and the laws applicable in that jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may permit individuals to pursue legal action against a third party for alienation of affection or criminal conversation.

Can a spouse go to jail for cheating?

In practical terms, committing adultery poses very little threat of prosecution, but it could have civil consequences, such as impacting custody battles during a divorce, says Melissa Murray, law professor at the University of California-Berkeley.

What are my rights if my husband cheated on me?

So, to be clear: the court does not afford you specific rights if there was cheating but infidelity can tip the scales in your favor and impact your case. This may include changing property division and also allow for certain temporary injunctions while your divorce for cheating case is pending.

Can you sue for being cheated on?

No, adultery is not currently a civil tort in California. In the past, there were adultery laws that allowed people to sue for infidelity. Many states also used to criminalize adultery. Today, however, unfaithfulness in a marriage is not a crime or legal tort in the State of California.

Is it worth suing for alienation of affection?

The only time it is beneficial to sue for alienation of affection is if divorce, due to an affair, leaves you financially damaged and you need the courts to award you monies to help you survive after the divorce.

Is sexting considered adultery in Florida?

No, sexting is not adultery as defined by criminal laws. Adultery crimes must involve sexual intercourse. However, sexting could be used as evidence in an adultery prosecution or divorce proceedings (if allowed).

Can you sue someone for breaking up with you?

Many states have abolished them completely through modern statutes. However, a good number of states still allow for such suits, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Dakota, Georgia, and Utah.

What states is it a felony to cheat on your spouse?

Today, adultery laws are mostly found in the conservative southern states. In general, 3 US states criminalize it as a felony (Oklahoma, Michigan, and Wisconsin) and 13 states along with Puerto Rico criminalize it as a misdemeanor.

How do I sue a homewrecker?

To win a lawsuit for intentional infliction of emotional distress, you must show that:
  1. the defendant engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct, and.
  2. through that conduct, the defendant intentionally or recklessly caused you severe emotional distress.

What states are no fault marriage states?

In the States of Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and California, a person seeking a divorce is not permitted to allege a fault-based ground (e.g. adultery, abandonment or cruelty).

Who is at fault when a spouse cheats?

Both parties in an affair share responsibility, though not necessarily in equal measure. The spouse breaches the trust and commitment of their relationship, while the affair partner knowingly contributes to the breakdown of another's emotional world. At the end of the day, blame doesn't resolve the pain caused.

Can I kick my husband out of the house for cheating?

In California, it is legal for one spouse to force the other to move out for a set time period. This is accomplished through a court order, but the individual must be able to provide evidence of threats of assault or assault attempts if the case is an emergency.

What is the punishment for adultery in the USA?

In USA, laws vary from state to state. Although rarely prosecuted, but adultery is still on the statute books and penalty may vary from a fine of few dollars to even life sentence. But in US military, it is an impending court-martial crime.

Can I charge my husband for cheating?

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.

You would have to prove that by cheating, your spouse (1) acted intentionally or recklessly; (2) his or her conduct was extreme and outrageous; and (3) his or her conduct caused (4) severe emotional distress.

How to prove infidelity in court?

How Do You Prove It. The person alleging adultery must prove that their spouse committed an adulterous act via direct evidence (e.g., eyewitness accounts; admissions by the guilty spouse and/or the paramour) or, more often, via circumstantial evidence.

How do cheaters act when caught?

The reactions and responses of cheaters when confronted with their betrayal vary widely, from defensiveness and denial to profound remorse, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and the shattered trust of their partner.

What are the Homewrecker laws?

What are Homewrecker Laws? Homewrecker laws, also called alienation of affection laws, allow someone to sue their ex-spouse's lover. In short, if the marriage broke up because of an affair, six states allow the injured spouse to sue the lover and possibly recover damages.

What to do if your husband is cheating on you?

Consider taking the following steps:
  1. Don't make rash decisions. If you think you might physically hurt yourself or someone else, seek help from a medical professional right away.
  2. Give each other space. The discovery of an affair can be intense. ...
  3. Seek support. ...
  4. Take your time.

Can a wife sue her husband for emotional distress?

In conclusion, while it is possible to sue your spouse for emotional distress in some cases, it is important to consider the complexities of such legal actions and the potential impact on the relationship.