A guy I know asked his wife for a divorce — no fault state — 40ish, been together for 17 years. He’s never held a job of any quality and she has always been the breadwinner. They have a few kids. Her parents gave them the matrimonial home.

I’m currently listening to her total outrage of him asking for:

  • half of all the assets, including her collectibles, vehicles AND the matrimonial home (home will have to be sold)
  • she pay him alimony and child support based on the income difference (big difference) and for the amount of time allotted for a 17 year relationship (long, including university time for the kids)
  • plus half of her pension (government worker, solid pension) and equalization of retirement savings (he has none).
  • whatever custody and access with the kids.

Her complaints:

  • she will be financially ruined,
  • she will be working yet have nothing
  • she will be subsidizing his lifestyle
  • she will have to move in to her folk’s basement
  • she will miss parts of the kids growing up when they are with him
  • did I mention she will be financially ruined?

I’m not a fan of the family law system by any means. And from experience I know her pain, but there was something oddly refreshing about these dire complaints finally coming from a woman after hearing this over and over and over from men.

Unfair perhaps is unfair for all?