Is my sister-in-law able to take me to court over her husband’s alleged infidelity because he met a female friend through me?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Is my sister-in-law able to take me to court over her husband’s alleged infidelity because he met a female friend through me?
I live in IL, where there is an Alienation of Affections law. Both my friend and my brother-in-law maintain that there was no inappropriate conduct when they were together, and that they’re friends. My sister-in-law doesn’t see it that way; it is in her opinion that I am responsible for breaking up her family. She has contacted my family to get information about my friend, and when asked, she refused to leave my family out of it.
Asked on February 13, 2011 under Family Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
That you casually introduce people and then have to worry about being sued is so ridiculous. Alienation of affection isa difficult action to win and requires in most states that the plaintiff show (1) love and affection of the alienated spouse for the plaintiff; (2) actual damages; and (3) overt acts, conduct or enticement by the defendant causing those affections to depart. Orbeta v. Gomez, 315 Ill.App.3d 687, 690 (2000). And many courts have added a willful intent requirement and some states have been Alienation of Affections Acts that limit the actions. I think that your sister in law is grasping at straws. But maybe you should speak with an attorney in your area should she start suit. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.