Jan Poole Drops Alienation of Affection Lawsuit
The legal action brought under a controversial state statute has been dismissed with prejudice.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Divorce
Live Poll
Should states maintain laws that allow suing someone for alienation of affection?
Jan Poole has voluntarily dismissed her alienation of affection lawsuit against Susan Mercer Gaines. The complaint, which had been filed one year ago, was resolved in court on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Why it matters
The case highlights the continued use of North Carolina's unique alienation of affection law, which allows individuals to sue third parties for the dissolution of a marriage. By dismissing the suit with prejudice, the plaintiff is barred from refiling the same claim.
The lawsuit was based on North Carolina's alienation of affection statute, a legal provision that remains a rare point of contention in modern civil law. Gaines Oil Company, central to the parties' business interests, has been held by the family for three generations.
The players
Jan Poole
She is the individual who initiated and subsequently dropped the legal action against Susan Mercer Gaines.
Susan Mercer Gaines
She serves as the CFO of Gaines Oil Company and was the defendant in the alienation of affection lawsuit.
Todd Gaines
He is the CEO of Gaines Oil Company and was previously married to Jan Poole.
The details
The litigation followed the complex sequence of divorces and remarriages involving Todd Gaines, the CEO of Gaines Oil Company, and his current wife, Susan Mercer Gaines, who serves as the company's CFO. Poole officially ended the legal challenge through a filing that permanently closes the case.
Timeline
The alleged affair began in 2021 or 2022.
Poole and Todd Gaines' marriage ended in 2023.
Todd Gaines filed for divorce in July 2025.
Susan Mercer Gaines divorced her previous husband in October 2025.
Todd Gaines and Susan Mercer Gaines married in December 2025.
Culture Shift
The case underscores the ongoing friction between traditional civil torts and modern views on marital autonomy in North Carolina. Such lawsuits often highlight a broader societal debate regarding whether state laws should provide financial recourse for the breakdown of personal relationships.
For residents, this case serves as a reminder of the practical and public nature of civil filings within the state court system. Decisions to dismiss such high-profile suits can influence how similar disputes are handled in local courts throughout the Triangle area.
The takeaway
Civil litigation involving personal relationships can be lengthy, costly, and highly public. Those considering similar actions should consult with legal counsel to understand the implications of dismissing a suit with prejudice.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal proceedings in the North Carolina Divorce section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News&Observer.
Live Poll
Should states maintain laws that allow suing someone for alienation of affection?
