Raleigh divorce attorney Charles R. Ullman recently appeared on Fox News Digital to discuss a high-profile lawsuit filed under North Carolina's so-called "homewrecker" law. The case involves former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who is 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, 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 and causing the loss of love and affection. The law has sparked debate over whether someone who breaks up a marriage should be held financially responsible. However, Ullman sees these claims as a vital path for wronged spouses to seek justice. "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 Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar, 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 across North Carolina navigate separation, divorce, child custody, and other legal matters.
The Sinema case has drawn national attention because it involves a prominent political figure and highlights the continued existence of alienation of affection laws in a handful of states. For North Carolina residents, the case serves as a reminder that adultery can have legal consequences beyond divorce proceedings. If the plaintiff prevails, Sinema could be ordered to pay damages for the emotional and financial harm caused by the affair.
Ullman emphasized that the law is not about punishing affairs but about providing a remedy for the injured spouse. "It's about accountability," he said. The case could also influence public opinion on whether such laws are outdated or still serve a purpose in protecting marriages. As the lawsuit proceeds, it will likely reignite discussions about the role of state laws in personal relationships and the extent to which third parties can be held liable for marital breakdowns.
For now, the case underscores the importance of understanding North Carolina's unique legal landscape regarding marriage and infidelity. As Ullman noted, the law offers a pathway for those who have been wronged to seek closure and compensation, even if it means taking a former U.S. senator to court.
