Alienation of affection is a lawsuit in which one party claims that the defendant deprived them of the affection of their spouse. This almost always arises against a party to a marriage's girlfriend or boyfriend- called a paramour. These cases are very popular in Mississippi, and we are one of the few states in the country that still recognizes them as a viable cause of action.

Not every situation merits an alienation of affection lawsuit. You must really consider the strength of your marriage before your spouse's affair and whether or not the paramour actually has enough money to make your case worthwhile. I usually take these cases on a reduced hourly rate plus contingency fee basis if on the plaintiff's side, and with my normal hourly rate if on the defensive.

The classic example of this type of case is when the wealthy doctor woos his young, married nurse away with lavish gifts and promises of the good life. If the nurse and her husband had a relatively good marriage before Dr. Feelgood came into the picture, the husband may have a very viable case for alienation of affection.