Heart Balm Laws

Heart balm laws refer to legal statutes that allow individuals to sue for emotional distress or damages caused by the interruption or disruption of a romantic relationship, typically during engagements or marriages. Historically, these laws enabled a fiancé or spouse to seek compensation from a third party who allegedly interfered with the relationship, like a lover or family member. While they were more common in the past, many jurisdictions have abolished or limited these laws, as they can lead to complex emotional disputes and may not align with modern views on relationships and personal autonomy.