It’s time for our divorce laws to change
By Letter to the Editor on July 19, 2017.
I am angry! Would you choose to pay $250,000 or $500,000 or maybe more for absolutely nothing in return? No, you would assume it to be a scam. In this case, it’s called spousal support and is sanctioned by our legal system! Those being targeted are men (and only very occasionally women) who have stayed in their marriage long enough to raise their children (20 years, or longer). For some ridiculous reason that I am totally unable to grasp, the law states that they must maintain the standard of living their spouses enjoyed during their marriage. Pardon me? This is a divorce not a social welfare program. In a current case that I have been given first-hand information, the spouse requesting support has a secure job with a provincial government, has excellent benefits, pension plan and is very capable of supporting herself. She was also accepted for a mortgage at the bank before any legal papers have been signed and has recently purchased a new home. Obviously, they feel her salary is adequate and she is not a poor risk of defaulting. Is she requesting spousal support out of need or vindictiveness? All too often it is the latter. Many of these ridiculous and outrageously unfair laws against men have risen out of the feminist movement. The pendulum has swung too far and these laws must change. The wives also receive half the assets acquired during the marriage and frequently the matrimonial home with its contents as well as custody of any children who might still be dependent. What is left for the men? A greatly reduced standard of living! Consequently, nine to 10 times more of them commit suicide after a divorce than women. Even though I firmly believe there should be some sort of support for those who are unemployable due to age or physical or mental disability, these absurdly unfair laws must change. They are very sexist and abusive towards men. This is not equality of the sexes. Before women can expect that, they have to learn to stand on their own two feet and stop expecting men to look after them. I am a divorced woman too and I am appalled with these laws. Judith Zadorozny Brooks, Alta. 12-11
