"Love Gone Sour: Outdated Laws Allow Vengeful Spouses to Sue Third Parties. In a shocking reminder of the complexities of modern relationships, a growing number of states continue to permit spouses to pursue lawsuits against individuals or businesses they claim have contributed to the breakdown of their marriages. These 'alienation of affection' laws, which originated in the 19th century, allow vengeful spouses to seek damages from third parties they accuse of stealing their partner's heart. From infidelity to online dating, these laws have been criticized for their outdated nature and potential to stifle free speech, but they remain on the books in several states, sparking heated debates about personal responsibility, relationships, and the limits of the law."
Some states still allow vengeful spouses to sue a third party for destroying their marriages.