Paula Cook has filed a divorce petition in North Carolina alleging that her husband, Antwuan Cook, had an adulterous affair with the former American Idol winner, Fantasia Barino. Lawyers are speculating that Mrs. Cook might file a lawsuit against Fantasia for alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

Alienation of affection is a civil lawsuit against a person who deprives you of the love and affection of your spouse. Criminal conversation is also a civil, not criminal, suit against a third party in which you have to prove adultery.

Alienation of affection and criminal conversation causes of action exist in a few states but not in Maryland, Virginia or DC.