Is some rich man trying to buy a change in Michigan's divorce laws? It sure looks like it.

[LuckyTheDog]

Creepy. :scared:

Is some unhappily married (but politically well-connected) Michigander trying to avoid a costly property settlement by rewriting the state's divorce laws?

That's what judges and family lawyers throughout the state are asking after discovering that some of Lansing's most influential political fixers are greasing the skids for two bills that would dramatically alter the rules for dividing assets in high-stakes divorces.

Under current Michigan law, any appreciation in the value of one spouse's business is treated as marital property if it occurs during the marriage, and each partner is entitled to half if the marriage breaks up. If a spouse's $1-million business grows into a $50-million business over the course of a 25-year marriage, for example, the divorcing partner would be entitled to half the $49-million increase.

But two bills introduced last month by state Rep. John Walsh, R-Livonia, would tip the scales in favor of the working spouse, making it harder for the stay-at-home partner to claim a share in the family business and limiting a judge's discretion to award business assets to her or him.

More: http://www.freep.com/article/20110623/COL04/106230514/Brian-Dickerson-A-new-Michigan-divorce-statute-tailored-for-one-?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

[CTyankee]

1. Oh, my goodness. Why would anyone do this?

Hmmm?

[LiberalAndProud]

2. Is John Walsh married? or is he possibly headed for divorce court?

And it might be a good time to check the current state of marital bliss on his donor list.

[Lisa D]

3. The "Pro Family" party wants to punish stay-at-home moms?

Color me shocked!

"Honey, you stay home and raise the kids, keep the house and help me succeed in business. Then, in ten years, when your college degree isn't any good without experience, I'll throw you to the curb and you can fend for yourself."

The hypocrisy makes me want to :puke:

[peace frog]

4. "..and replace you with my younger, hotter mistress

but you can keep the kids, of course. And good luck getting much child support from me after this new legislation is rammed through."

[LuckyTheDog]

5. Astounding greed (nt)

[RB TexLa]

6. That's why you have prenuptial agreements. If you have $5.00 or $5M

If you don't then you deserve whatever happens to you.

[Darth_Kitten]

7. Wow, conservatives sure respect their stay at home partners, don't they?

There are principles and then there is your wallet. :eyes:

[BiggJawn]

8. Someone named DeVos, perhaps?

Could be. Or do you not have to be that wealthy to buy a state rep in MI?