Breaking Up : Hard To Sue

"Alienation of Affection" is the legal term for the cause of action commonly known as "getting dumped". In New Jersey family law, this cause of action has been barred for decades, so getting monetary or other relief can be tricky when an engagement is broken off. Nevertheless, some theories of liability remain, highly dependent on the facts and circumstances. This is true as well in the other 42 states that have also banned similar causes of action. However, 7 jurisdictions still recognize this theory and can grant significant compensatory and punitive damages where appropriate. They are : North Carolina, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota and Utah. February 14, 2005.