Raleigh divorce attorney Charles R. Ullman recently appeared on Fox News Digital to discuss a high-profile case involving North Carolina's 'homewrecker' law. The news outlet reports that former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is the defendant in a North Carolina alienation of affection claim, accused of having an affair with her married bodyguard.
In these cases, a spouse sues a third party who has interfered with their marriage and caused them to lose their spouse's love and affection. The bodyguard's wife filed the lawsuit against Sinema in Moore County Superior Court, claiming the senator knowingly pursued her husband despite his marital status, sending romantic messages, gifts, and taking him on trips.
As North Carolina is one of the few states that still has a 'homewrecker' law, this story has sparked debate over whether someone who breaks up a marriage should be held responsible. However, Ullman sees alienation of affection claims as a vital path for a wronged spouse to legally hold an affair partner accountable. 'I think it's more about trying to find a remedy,' Ullman told Fox News Digital. 'Giving the person that's been wronged an opportunity at getting some type of relief.'
Ullman, a native of North Carolina, is recognized as a Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar and has 25 years of experience handling family law issues, including divorces involving infidelity. His firm, Charles R. Ullman & Associates, is based in Raleigh and helps families in Wake County and across North Carolina navigate difficult legal matters such as separation, divorce, domestic abuse, child custody and support, property division, and spousal support.
The case against Sinema has drawn national attention, highlighting the rarity of alienation of affection laws. Only a handful of states still recognize such claims, and North Carolina is one of them. This legal avenue allows a spouse to seek damages from a third party for the loss of affection and companionship. The lawsuit alleges that Sinema's actions caused irreparable harm to the marriage, leading to emotional distress and financial loss for the plaintiff.
Ullman emphasized the importance of providing a legal remedy for the wronged spouse. 'It's not just about punishment; it's about trying to make the injured party whole again,' he explained. The case is expected to proceed in Moore County Superior Court, with both sides preparing for a potentially lengthy legal battle.
