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The story is told that her husband, who was preparing for the accounting exam, was supported by his in-laws, but when his husband started earning a lot of money, they filed for divorce.
On the 21st, the story of Mr. A, a housewife with three sons, was told on YTN Radio’s ‘Attorney Jo In-seop’s Counseling Center’.
Ms. A met her husband when she was a college student, started dating, and quickly got married when she had a child. At the time, Ms. A was working, but her husband was a student preparing to become an accountant. Mr. A’s relatively well-off home provided support for wedding expenses and a newlywed home.
It was difficult to raise a child alone, so we lived together with our parents, and about 10 years later, my husband passed the accountant exam. However, it is said that during the probationary period, the income was not large, so the parents continued to provide living expenses and children’s education expenses. It’s only been 2-3 years since my husband started making real money.
My husband began to change when he gained financial power. He said he felt frustrated living with his father-in-law and mother-in-law and moved to an area where he had no connections. After the separation, communication was not possible and Mr. A suddenly demanded a divorce, claiming that he was financially incompetent.
When Mr. A refused, he left the house and sent a divorce petition a few days later. The husband wrote in the complaint that his father-in-law and mother-in-law treated him unfairly and that his wife was financially irresponsible, which was the cause of his fault. He even requested 500 million won in property division and half of the apartment given to him by his wife’s family before marriage.
Mr. A said, “I am so shocked,” and asked how to respond.
Regarding this story, lawyer Ryu Hyun-joo said, “If what the husband claims does not fall under the grounds for divorce in the trial as stipulated in the Civil Code, the divorce claim can be dismissed. “Receiving a complaint does not mean that there is any fault, so I don’t think there is any need to be upset,” he said.
Regarding the reason for divorce claimed by the husband, he said, “Being treated unfairly by his father-in-law and mother-in-law is also a ground for divorce as stipulated by law,” but added, “However, in the case of Mr. A, his father-in-law and mother-in-law appear to have provided a lot of financial support, and in particular, he said that he treated his husband unfairly. “I can’t see the dot,” he said.
Regarding Mr. A’s financial incapacity, “Considering that Mr. A gave birth to the child and took full responsibility for raising it, and that his parents provided full financial support, it is difficult for Mr. A’s lack of direct economic activity to be grounds for divorce. “I can see it,” he said.
He said, “If you look at it comprehensively, Mr. A has no grounds for divorce at trial and will be able to seek dismissal of the divorce.” However, he advised, “If there appears to be no possibility of the family being restored, a divorce judgment may be issued. When filing a lawsuit, it is necessary to show a sincere effort and attitude to restore the relationship with your husband.”
Reporter Lee Dong-jun blondie@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
**Beyond legal remedies, what societal mechanisms or initiatives could be implemented to promote more equitable power dynamics and communication within marriages, especially as financial circumstances change?**
## World Today News: Family Law and Shifting Power Dynamics
**Interview Guests:**
* **Dr. Park Ji-Eun:** Family Law Specialist and Professor at Seoul National University
* **Lee Seung-Hyun:** Sociologist and Researcher on Changing Family Dynamics
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re delving into a multifaceted story resonating with many modern families: accountability in marriage, financial dependence, and changing power dynamics. This case focuses on Ms. A, a housewife who supported her accounting-student husband through years of hardship, only to face divorce proceedings and unsettling financial demands once he achieved success. We’re joined by experts Dr. Park Ji-Eun and Mr. Lee Seung-Hyun to shed light on this concerning situation.
**Section 1: Shifting Power Dynamics in Marriage**
* **Host:** Dr. Park, let’s start with this case’s central theme: sudden reversal of power dynamics after financial success. How common is this, and what societal factors might contribute to it?
* **Dr. Park:** This sadly isn’t uncommon. Traditional gender roles often associate financial control with power within a marriage. When one partner achieves financial independence, it can unfortunately trigger a shift in how they perceive the relationship.
* **Host:** Mr. Lee, how does this tie into broader societal changes regarding women’s roles in families and the workforce?
* **Mr. Lee:** The shift in power dynamics we’re discussing highlights a complex intersection of changing societal expectations. Traditionally, women were expected to be homemakers, with men being the breadwinners. Today, women are increasingly contributing financially, leading to renegotiations of roles and power within marriages. However, cultural norms often lag behind these changes, creating friction and potential for exploitation.
**Section 2: Legal Perspectives and Financial Incapacity**
* **Host:**
Dr. Park, normally financial incapacity isn’t grounds for divorce. Can you elaborate on this aspect in Ms. A’s case?
* **Dr. Park:** Korean law focuses on fault-based divorce. Financial incompatibility alone isn’t usually sufficient. In Ms. A’s situation, the husband alleges his wife’s lack of financial contribution as grounds. However, considering her years as a caregiver and homemaker while supporting his studies, this argument is likely weak.
* **Host:** What are Ms. A’s legal options if the husband persists with the divorce and property division claim?
* **Dr. Park:** Ms. A needs legal representation to effectively counter her husband’s claims. Presenting evidence of her contributions to the family, both financially and emotionally, is crucial. Lawyers specializing in familial disputes can help her navigate this complex legal terrain.
**Section 3: Beyond the Legal Battlefield: Addressing the Root Causes**
* **Host:** Mr. Lee, this situation transcends legal battles; it raises questions about individual choices, communication within families, and potentially deeper emotional issues.
* **Mr. Lee:** Absolutely. We need to understand the emotional landscape contributing to this situation. Was there a breakdown in communication throughout the years? Did changing financial circumstances fuel resentment? Counseling and open dialog might be necessary, even if the divorce proceeds.
* **Host:** What broader societal conversations need to happen to prevent similar situations?
* **Mr. Lee:** We need to foster a culture of shared responsibility within marriages, respecting both partners’ contributions, regardless of their financial standing. Open discussions about finances, household duties, and changing family dynamics are vital from the outset of a relationship, preventing resentment and fostering a stronger, more equitable partnership.
**Conclusion:**
This case serves as a stark reminder that family dynamics require constant communication, empathy, and mutual respect, especially as financial circumstances evolve. As we move towards a future where traditional marital roles are increasingly fluid, open dialog about responsibilities, expectations, and communication within families is more crucial than ever. Thank you to Dr. Park and Mr. Lee for sharing their valuable insights.
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