Commentary on the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Civil Section VI - 1, Order No. 26383 of 2020: Separation Charge and Compensation for Non-Property Damages

The judgment of the Court of Cassation No. 26383 of 2020 addresses two highly relevant issues in family law: the charge of separation for marital infidelity and the possibility of requesting compensation for non-property damage. This order provides important points for reflection for professionals in the field and for spouses dealing with a marital crisis.

Separation Charge and Marital Infidelity

In the specific case, the Court of Appeal of Salerno declared personal separation with a charge against the unfaithful spouse, recognizing infidelity as a determining cause of the intolerability of cohabitation. However, the issue becomes more complicated when it comes to determining whether infidelity can also justify compensation for non-property damages.

The violation of the duty of fidelity can lead to compensation for non-property damages, but only if the condition of distress exceeds the threshold of tolerability.

Compensation for Non-Property Damages: Conditions and Limits

The appellant, G.L., had requested compensation for the non-property damage suffered due to his wife's infidelity, but the Court rejected the request, highlighting that the pain and depression experienced were not directly attributable to infidelity but to the separation itself. This point is crucial: the judge of merit has the task of assessing whether the damage suffered exceeds the threshold of tolerability and whether there is a real causal link between the unlawful conduct and the damage.

Conclusions

The judgment No. 26383 of 2020 provides important clarification on the matter of compensation for non-property damages in the case of separation. It emphasizes the need to prove not only infidelity but also the actual causal link between such conduct and the damage suffered. Family law professionals should consider these aspects in advising their clients. Jurisprudence continues to evolve, and cases like this highlight the complexity of family dynamics and the legal challenges associated with them.

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