W. Va. Code » §56-3-2a. Actions for breach of promise to marry and for alienation of affections prohibited.
West Virginia Code

W. Va. Code § 56-3-2a (2026)

Actions for breach of promise to marry and for alienation of affections prohibited

✓ current as of May 2026
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ARTICLE 3. WRITS, PROCESS AND ORDER OF PUBLICATION.

§56-3-2a. Actions for breach of promise to marry and for alienation of affections prohibited.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no civil action shall lie or be maintained in this state for breach of promise to marry or for alienation of affections, unless such civil action was instituted prior to the effective date of this section.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 19 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1981–2024 · leading case: SER Justin S. Golden, Sr. v. Hon. Tod J. Kaufman, Judge, 760 S.E.2d 883 (W. Va. 2014).
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SER Justin S. Golden, Sr. v. Hon. Tod J. Kaufman, Judge, 760 S.E.2d 883 (W. Va. 2014). · cites it 62× “1 claims for alienation of affections are prohibited by W.Va. Code § 56-3-2a [1969], Defendant Golden asserts that the circuit court erred by denying his summary judgment motion.”
Kessel v. Leavitt, 511 S.E.2d 720 (W. Va. 1998). · cites it 4× “As the claim enunciated in Section 699 is nothing more than a claim for alienation of a child’s affections, for which no relief is available, and as this cause of action has been abolished in this State, the defendants contend that the circuit court erroneously permitted John to…”
Weaver v. Union Carbide Corp., 378 S.E.2d 105 (W. Va. 1989). · cites it 5× “1 presents the question: May a wife maintain suit, based on a claim of malpractice or intentional interference with the marital relationship, against a marriage counselor who in the treatment of her husband engages in sexual relations that lead to the dissolution of the…”
Hunt v. Hunt, 309 N.W.2d 818 (S.D. 1981). · cites it 2× “19, § 167 (West Supp.1980-81); Md.Ann.Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-301(a) (1980); Mich.”
Veeder v. Kennedy, 1999 SD 23 (S.D. 1999). · cites it 2× “…York, NYCivRightsLaw § 80-a (McKinney 1992); North Dakota, NDCentCode § 14-02-06 (1997); Oklahoma, OklaStat tit 76, § 8.1 (1995); Oregon, OrRevStat § 30.840 (1997); Pennsylvania, 23 PaConsStat § 1901 (1991); Rhode Island, RIGenLaws § 9-1-42 (1997); Tennessee, TennCodeAnn §…”
Fundermann v. Mickelson, 304 N.W.2d 790 (Iowa 1981). · cites it 2× “Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-301(a) (1980); Mich.”
O'NEIL v. Schuckardt, 733 P.2d 693 (Idaho 1986). · cites it 2× “01-220; W. Va. Code 56-3-2a; Wis. Stat. Ann. § 248.”
Sisson v. Seneca Mental Health/Mental Retardation Council, Inc., 404 S.E.2d 425 (W. Va. 1991). · cites it 3× “The district court concluded that because the wife was not a patient of the therapist, the action was barred by W.Va. Code, 56-3-2a. 3 The Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit determined that the issue was one of first impression in our state and certified a question 4 to…”
Gilbert v. Barkes, 987 S.W.2d 772 (Ky. 1999). · cites it 2× “01-220 (Michie 1997)); West Virginia (W.Va.Code § 56-3-2a (1997)); Wisconsin (Wis.”
Bryan v. Lincoln, 285 S.E.2d 152 (W. Va. 1981). · cites it 5× “The appellant contends this ruling was in error. He argues that an action seeking recovery of specific property or a specified sum of money occasioned by the breach of a promise to marry is not barred by W.”
Fitch v. Valentine, 959 So. 2d 1012 (Miss. 2007). “Code § 14-02-06 (1983); Oregon, Or.Rev.Stat. § 31.980 (2004); Rhode Island, R.”
Gibson v. West Virginia Dep't of Highways, 406 S.E.2d 440 (W. Va. 1991). “2d 830 (1990), where we upheld the right of the legislature to enact W.Va.Code, 56-3-2a, the statute abolishing the common law cause of action of breach of promise to marry and alienation of affections.”
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