Economic abuse involves controlling a spouse’s access to financial resources to the extent that they are unable to support themselves. While primarily a form of psychological abuse, under tort law, it could be argued as intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED) or fraud, depending on the circumstances. Examples of acts that fall under economic abuse…
Sexual abuse or marital rape occurs when one spouse forces non-consensual sexual acts on the other. Historically, marital rape was overlooked in some jurisdictions, but many legal systems now recognize it as both a criminal offense and a tort. Under tort law, such acts can give rise to claims for battery, assault, and, intentional infliction…
While cheating itself is not typically classified as a tort, it can give rise to related claims under tort law in certain contexts. For example: Examples of acts that fall under infidelity as a tort Real Case Example In Hunt v. Hunt, a North Carolina court awarded damages in an alienation of affection case where…
Wrongful death occurs when one spouse’s negligent or intentional actions lead to the death of the other. Under tort law, wrongful death claims are typically filed by the surviving family members or the estate of the deceased to seek compensation for the loss caused by the death. These claims aim to hold the responsible party…
Negligence in marriage occurs when one spouse fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to the other spouse. Under tort law, negligence involves a breach of duty that causes injury or loss. This concept, though more commonly associated with workplace or public settings, can also be applied within marital relationships when a spouse’s…
Alienation of affection is a legal claim available in some jurisdictions that allows a spouse to sue a third party, often a romantic partner of their spouse for interfering with the marital relationship. This tort assumes that the third party’s actions caused the loss of love and affection in the marriage, leading to its breakdown….
Fraud or misrepresentation occurs when one spouse knowingly lies or conceals important information that affects the foundation of the marriage. In tort law, this is viewed as intentional deception resulting in harm to the other party. The injured spouse may pursue legal action to recover damages caused by the fraudulent behavior. Examples of acts that…
Invasion of privacy occurs when one spouse intrudes upon the other’s personal space or confidential matters without consent. In tort law, this can include actions such as “intrusion upon seclusion”, “public disclosure of private facts”, or “Misappropriation of likeness”. Such violations can have damaging effects on trust and emotional well-being in a marriage. Examples of…
Defamation occurs when one spouse makes a false statement about the other, damaging their reputation. Under tort law, defamation is divided into two categories. These are: For a claim to succeed, the statement must be false, communicated to a third party, and result in harm to the person’s reputation. Examples of Acts That Fall Under…
Emotional distress can arise from intentional acts or negligent behavior by one spouse that causes severe psychological harm to the other. Under tort law, this is categorized as “Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)” or “Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED).” The claim requires that the conduct was extreme and outrageous, went beyond the bounds…