An American woman has sued her husband's alleged lover for US$9m- around A$9.8m - under state law, reports ABC News America.
Cynthia Shackleford suspected that her husband was having an affair and reportedly sent a private investigator after her husband of 33-years.
No doubt finding money a substitute for love, Shackleford sued the alleged mistress, Anne Lundquist, for 'alienation of affection' under North Carolina state law.
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She was awarded US$5m in compensatory damages and $4m in punitive damages.
"You don't go after married men and break up families" , Shackleford said subsequently.
According to ABC News, seven US states allow alienation of affection claims, whereby spouses can sue third parties who have allegedly interfered in marriages.
Lundquist is reportedly planning to contest the charges.
