I know that adultery awards are based on the need and the person’s ability to pay. But iff someone has an AA claim against a 3rd party, is the award based on that person’s ability to pay? Can they make you liquidate assets - house, retirement, automobile, etc - to pay them?
A judgment for a third party suit is not based on the defendant’s ability to pay. The award is based on the finder of fact’s (usually a jury in these cases) determination of damages caused to the plaintiff. While a judgment will not specifically target any one asset, in reality in can cause you to liquidate assets in order to be able to satisfy the same.