Spousal support is for the rich
published: Thursday | December 15, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I HAVE read with interest over the past weeks what contributors, both men and women, have said about alimony (spousal support). I was particularly impacted by an insightful law student, I think from Barbados, who wrote a brilliant piece on spousal support, indicating that women should join the unfair game. I support him by suggesting that when the table is turned in their direction, they should pay without protest. I feel strongly that if one is engaged in an unfair game, he or she should be prepared to reap the consequences or outcome. I am not an advocate for spousal support, because the court cannot keep up with the devious and vindictive nature of some unscrupulous individuals.

The practice of ordering individuals, particularly men, to pay outrageous sums of money to an ex-spouse, should be stopped. People are not conglomerates with disposable income. Spousal support, I think, is for the rich and famous, not for poor people.

Split the assets gained in the marriage and depart in peace. No lawyer or judge is able to discern what really transpired in a marriage. Some people are drama queens and kings who will do whatever it takes to bring down the other person. I have just touched the tip of the iceberg, but I hope that people in high places will revisit the whole notion of spousal support and outlaw it.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD ASQUITH

rasquith@rogers.com

822-15 Scadding Ave.

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

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