Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

I was in a relationship for ten years with a man who just walked away with no word. I have since found out that he left the country with his wife whom he was supposed to be divorcing. This man proposed to me and gave me a wedding ring in front of my family and friends. I lost my job and he took care of me for the two yrs. that I was not employed.

My question is can I sue him for mental, emotional and finanical damages that this 10 yr. relationship caused me. He stayed with me as if he was divorcing his wife. On Dec. 13, 2011 he retired from his job and called me on New Years to tell me that he loved me and would see me in a few days. I have not heard anything from him since then. What leagal grounds can I take against this man?


Asked on 4/30/11, 7:43 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

If you were in an adulterous (and ilegal) relationship with someone for 10 years, it was your choice to put yourself in that situation. YOU made the decisions, and YOU caused yourself the "damages" by having a relationship with a married man. The law generally is not going to give you damages for the adult decisions you willingly make. It appears from your post you continue to make bad decisions and are still waiting on him. What exactly do you expect from a person who obviously has no problem lying? Sorry to sound harsh but you need to take responsibility for your own life, and your own decisions.

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Answered on 4/30/11, 7:50 am
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

You made the decision to participate in a criminal act for 10 years. You made the big mistake of seeing a married man.

Not only do you have NO right to sue (Georgia law specifically prohibits such suits), but depending on the state where the wife lived, she may have the right to sue you.

You can't sue. What you can and should do is seek counseling to find out why you would try to live with and get "engaged" to someone who would not divorce his wife. The one thing that is certain is that unless you are a complete fool, you should not be accepting his calls or trying to see him now. That's simply ridiculous.

And to reiterate, no you cannot sue (and depending on where the wife lives, if it is a state other than Georgia, since Georgia also bars her suing, she may be able to sue you).

I know this sounds harsh, but you need to learn from this very foolish (and illegal, since adultery is a crime) decision, and move on.

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Answered on 4/30/11, 9:29 am


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