Quotations on divorce by Mark Thomas of the Family Law Action Group
I rang an insurance agent yesterday and asked if I could insure against
divorce. He more or less laughed. I said but if I marry I stand a 40% chance
of losing my house, and my disposable income for the next 20 years on the
claim of my spouse.
He was quick to point out an aspect of human nature that has so far eluded
the relationship experts -- that people turn bad when there is an opportunity
before them. ...
--Mark Thomas, mark@reigram.demon.co.uk
I think the problem ... is that a large number of people are still buying
[marriage] according to traditional ... brand image. It was a firm, rock
solid brand. It meant something very special. It was a for life deal. There
was no escape from it -- except under exceptional circumstances. People
buy into marriage -- and then get a shock when their spouse announces that
they are to leave as they are no longer required. In England, unless you
are rich or poor, you basically (as a husband) hand over 100% to your wife
- and are then ordered to pay her a fat cheque for 'the children', regardless
of her new financial situation. [In the US the result is not so one-sided,
but is a bad deal for both sides, so the comments below would hold true
for men and women. -- J. Crouch]
Now that is just -- if men getting married are aware that that is what they
are signing up for. Most are not. Divorce in the UK is conducted in secret
and none of the outcomes can be reported. Men therefore don't get to hear
what the deal is.
I know the facts. I will not get married again - nor would I recommend
any man to get married - it just isn't worth the 40% risk of total financial
loss.
So long as everyone knows the deal then it is just. What we are seeing
here is people coming unstuck because what they thought was the deal is
no longer the deal.
--Mark Thomas, mark@reigram.demon.co.uk
Return to Divorce Reform Page
Return to Favorite quotes on divorce reform
Return to Americans for Divorce Reform