Alienation of affection is a mostly outdated law that allows a spouse to sue an individual that causes their other spouse to end their marriage. Separate from any divorce proceedings, the spouse bringing an alienation of affection suit must show that the accused individ…
Understanding alienation of affection
How alienation of affection affects you
alienation of affection appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.
The mechanics of alienation of affection
In practice, alienation of affection is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Cornell LII Wex , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.