Do not commit adultery, or get involved with someone who is married, especially in North Carolina. This lesson was learned by Anne Lundquist March 25.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Lundquist had intervened in a relationship between Allan Shackelford, a married man, and his wife Cynthia Shackelford, and is now paying the price for it.
Apparently, Lundquist was the cause of divorce between Shackelford and his wife, after a thirty-three year marriage. From there, Lundquist and Shackelford moved to New York.

Luckily, for Shackelford, North Carolina is one of the few states that still permit lawsuits under “alienation of affection,” and she was able to be compensated for her loss in some way. Just this week, the jury gave its final verdict. Anne Lundquist owed Cynthia Shackelford, $9 million for having ruined her marriage.

Lawsuits that are created under the terms of “alienation of affection” enable the aggrieved party, (the ex-wife in this case), to sue the intervening party (the other woman).

In order for these lawsuits to be successful, the aggrieved party has to prove that their ex-spouse was involved in an extra-marital and amorous relationship with a third party. They must also prove that their marriage was intentionally destroyed or “alienated” by the other woman and intentionally. These cases are not limited to another woman being involved, but could also be another man.

Many states refrain from permitting such lawsuits because the state governments feel it is already enough of a hassle to deal with a divorce between two people. Adding another lawsuit against an outside party would be too complicated and unnecessary.

Society today looks down upon the high ideals toward marriage and the conservation of it. This proves why lawsuits, such as that of “alienation of affection,” should be encouraged and legitimized everywhere.

State courts are already concerned about the financial cost of divorce, lets not forget about the other costs of divorce; the mental and emotional pains that can be carried throughout one’s life inhabiting the ability to form stable relationships in the future.

Marriage is a piece of paper that states two people will be together. Society needs to remind everyone that marriage cannot be torn up as easily as the marriage certificate.

Women and men everywhere need to stand up and fight for this law to be enacted.