Before the story airs: Cheat and get sued in NC

Cheat with another person's spouse, and it could cost you more than $1 million. Did you know that North Carolina is one of seven states still using a statute dating back to English common law?

It’s known as Alienation of Affection, providing legal recourse against a third party accused of breaking up the marriage. The law’s origin stems from the belief that the wife was property – or stolen property in the case of a broken marriage. A recent case in Wake County led us to take a closer look at the law.

You might be surprised how many people use it and how much money is being awarded to spouses who’ve lost their marriages to cheating.

Monday at 5:30 p.m. on WRAL-TV, meet a woman whose affair could cost her more than $1 million. She’s not the only one. We uncovered a trend that links some of North Carolina's multimillion-dollar verdicts. I'll reveal the two main things that have to happen in a relationship to let you sue or get sued for millions.

Join us for what is sure to be a conversation starter, Monday at 5:30 p.m. on WRAL News.