NC woman awarded millions after suing her husband's mistress

NC woman awarded millions after suing her husband's mistress (Added: March 25, 2010)

Greenville, N.C. - From blushing bride to woman scorned, the multi-million dollar landmark settlement awarded to the woman who sued her husband's paramour is turning heads. (more)

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NC woman awarded millions after suing her husband's mistress

Greenville, N.C. - From blushing bride to woman scorned, the multi-million dollar landmark settlement awarded to the woman who sued her husband's paramour is turning heads.

By: | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: March 25, 2010

Greenville, N.C. - From blushing bride to woman scorned, the multi-million dollar landmark settlement awarded to the woman who sued her husband's paramour is turning heads.
North Carolina woman, Cynthia Shackelford won the $9 million settlement under a little known divorce law.
According to local divorce and family law attorney, Darnell Parker, use of the alienation of affection law is nothing new.
“It's used more commonly than you think,” said Parker. “It is very emotionally charged.”
And there's a reason you may not have heard of it before now. Taking an alienation of affection case to court can be quite grueling, and is often settled before the first court date.
When the honeymoon is over and sweet turns to sour many marriages end in divorce. In fact the United States has the third highest divorce rate in the world.
East Carolina University Professor of Marriage and Therapy Damon Rappleyea specializes in saving marriages, but that doesn't mean he's unfamiliar with the law. Alienation of feelings can be rendered against a therapist. In fact, no one is exempt. In-laws, friends, and even clergy members are at risk.
“Alienation of feelings can be rendered against a therapist,” said Rappleyea.
North Carolina is one of seven states that have the law.
Laws like alienation of affection first appeared in the 1800’s.