The husband knows what he is doing and is gathering evidence to prove that Steve Smith and his wife had an affair.
The largest award for alienation of affection was $30 million in a 2011 case. The case involved Carol Puryear suing her former husband's current wife, Betty Devin.
Large awards in alienation of affection cases
- $1.4 million
In 2001, Tom Oddo won this award from a Florida doctor who had an affair with his wife. This was the largest award in North Carolina at the time. However, an appeals court reduced the award to $500,000 in 2003.
- $9 million
In 2010, Cynthia Shackelford won this award from her husband's alleged mistress, Anne Lundquist. The jury awarded Shackelford $5 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages.
- $30 million
In 2011, Carol Puryear won this award from Betty Devin, the current wife of her former husband, Donald Puryear.
Alienation of affection is a cause of action that allows a jilted spouse to sue when their partner leaves to be with someone else. Verdicts in these cases can range from zero dollars to millions.