Maryland  |  Family Law

Practically speaking, neither party gets "punishment", at least in the sense of it being treated as a criminal act, even though technically it is a minor violation of the criminal code. Also, you can't sue someone for alienation of affections. However, it is obviously considered an act of adultery and as such could be a ground for filing for divorce. Also, if the act was a cause for breaking up the marriage, then a judge who in a divorce proceeding is tasked to divide up marital property or award alimony, it can be taken into account in making that decision.