{"id":353413,"date":"2016-05-13T12:53:35","date_gmt":"2016-05-13T17:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/alienation-of-affection.html"},"modified":"2025-09-03T15:08:27","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T20:08:27","slug":"alienation-of-affection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/alienation-of-affection.html","title":{"rendered":"Alienation of Affection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alienation of Affection<\/h1>\n\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

In a few states, a former spouse can sue for alienation of affection. The purpose of this claim is to seek compensation from someone who intentionally caused the breakdown of their marriage, such as in a cheating scenario.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Alienation of affection and criminal conversation are causes of action (legal claims) that can allow spouses to recover compensatory damages and punitive damages<\/a> after a marriage ends. A deserted spouse can file an alienation of affection<\/a> lawsuit against a third party that he or she believes is responsible for the marriage’s failure.<\/p>\n

Most jurisdictions have abolished this type of tort. But there are still some states that allow the filing of alienation of affection lawsuits. These are often handled in the common law areas of personal injury law as well as family law.<\/p>\n

These cases can be emotionally complex. The situation might involve your in-laws, friends, or other loved ones. You may worry about protecting and providing for your children. In any circumstance, it may be helpful to start by getting a clear sense of your legal options. A family law attorney<\/a> can guide you based on your specific goals.<\/p>\n

Which States Allow Alienation of Affection Lawsuits?<\/h2>\n

Currently, the tort<\/a> of alienation of affection is available in six states, including:<\/p>\n