Raleigh divorce attorney Charles R. Ullman recently appeared on Fox News Digital to discuss a high-profile case involving North Carolina's alienation of affection law, commonly known as the "homewrecker" law. The case involves former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who is being sued by the wife of her married bodyguard. The lawsuit, filed in Moore County Superior Court, alleges that Sinema knowingly pursued the bodyguard despite his marital status, sending romantic messages, giving gifts, and taking him on trips.
North Carolina is one of the few states that still enforces alienation of affection claims, which allow a spouse to sue a third party for interfering with their marriage and causing the loss of love and affection. This legal provision has sparked debate over whether someone who breaks up a marriage should be held financially responsible. However, Ullman views these claims as a crucial avenue for wronged spouses to seek accountability and compensation for the harm inflicted on their marriage.
"I think it's more about trying to find a remedy," Ullman told Fox News Digital. "Giving the person that's been wronged an opportunity at getting some type of relief." With 25 years of experience and recognition as a Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar, Ullman brings a seasoned perspective to the discussion. His firm, Charles R. Ullman & Associates, based in Raleigh, handles a range of family law issues, including divorces involving infidelity.
The case underscores the ongoing relevance of alienation of affection laws in North Carolina, which have been abolished in most other states. Proponents argue that these laws provide a deterrent against extramarital affairs and offer a legal remedy for the emotional and financial damages caused by marital interference. Critics, however, contend that they are outdated and can lead to intrusive litigation.
Ullman's comments highlight the potential for such lawsuits to offer closure and financial compensation to spouses who have been betrayed. As the Sinema case proceeds, it may set a precedent for how alienation of affection claims are handled in high-profile contexts. The outcome could influence public perception and legislative discussions about the validity of these laws in modern society.
