Raleigh divorce attorney Charles R. Ullman recently shared his perspective on a high-profile case involving North Carolina's alienation of affection law, commonly known as the "homewrecker" law. The case, reported by Fox News Digital, names former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema as the defendant, accused of having an affair with her married bodyguard.
The bodyguard's wife filed the lawsuit in Moore County Superior Court, claiming Sinema knowingly pursued her husband despite his marital status and children. The allegations include sending romantic messages, giving gifts, and taking him on trips. North Carolina is one of the few states that still recognizes alienation of affection claims, which allow a spouse to sue a third party for interfering with their marriage.
Ullman, a Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law with 25 years of experience, emphasized the importance of such laws. "I think it's more about trying to find a remedy," he told Fox News Digital. "Giving the person that's been wronged an opportunity at getting some type of relief."
The case has sparked debate over whether someone who breaks up a marriage should be held legally responsible. Ullman views these claims as a vital path for wronged spouses to hold affair partners accountable for the harm caused. He noted that while the legal system cannot repair a broken marriage, it can provide financial compensation for emotional distress.
As a native of North Carolina and founder of Charles R. Ullman & Associates, Ullman has extensive experience handling divorces involving infidelity. His firm, based in Raleigh, helps families navigate separation, divorce, child custody, property division, and spousal support.
The Sinema case highlights the ongoing relevance of alienation of affection laws in North Carolina, which remain controversial but are defended by some as a means of justice for betrayed spouses.
