RALEIGH (AP) ó A Senate committee has backed limits to a North Carolina law that allows scorned spouses to sue and collect damages for stolen affection and adultery.
A Senate judiciary committee on Tuesday recommended a bill barring lawsuits for amorous acts after a married couple separated, and puts a three-year time limit on the lawsuits. Jilted spouses also could not sue a business.
North Carolina is one of only about a half dozen states that still allow a spouse to sue their wayward partner’s lover for stolen affection. Sen. Daniel Clodfelter of Mecklenburg County said North Carolina is the only state that allows lawsuits over a spouse’s adultery.
Senators said the lawsuits are primarily filed by revenge-seeking spouses of wealthy people.