I refer to the Voices letters raising concerns about claiming maintenance from an ex-spouse.
As a victim of adultery, I understand the injustice felt by a man whose ex-wife was the cheating party and yet he has to pay her maintenance. Now that the Women’s Charter is being reviewed, this should change.
The law should also be changed to make the one who committed adultery pay for the other party’s legal fee in a divorce.
Victims of adultery who must endure the pain of betrayal, besides going through the draining process of divorce, should not have to bear high legal fees. Imagine how bad it can be for a homemaker. And though there is legal aid, not everyone may qualify.
Plus, in the division of matrimonial assets, a victim of adultery should get at least half. Such changes would help ease the pain of these victims, give them justice and perhaps reduce the divorce rate.
Siew Mun Hin
*Letter first appeared on TODAY, Voices (Aug 15)