The ultimate Valentine’s Day gift: a free divorce
Nothing says “I love you” like divorce papers. So a Michigan lawyer has decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving away a free divorce.
Walter H. Bentley III says he got the idea after a student at a night-school class he teaches invited him to a party to celebrate her divorce. He told ABC News that this led to a revelation: “Why not do something special for Valentine’s Day? You can’t find a new love before you close the chapter on the old.”
According to Bentley’s website, the winner of the free divorce has to come up with “the most compelling and convincing story” attesting to why he or she deserves a free ride to relationship freedom.
There are a few catches: The split has to be uncontested and have minimal child custody issues. You also need to be a Michigan resident. Bentley says nearly 500 people have already applied.
“We’re looking for someone truly struggling to move forward,” he told ABC, “maybe someone who’s overcome some obstacle -- a foreclosure, say. Maybe they’re struggling to make ends meet, and they don’t have enough money for a divorce.
“Somebody diagnosed with cancer,” Bentley continued. “Maybe that’s one reason their spouse no longer wants to be with them.”
Romantic, right?
Or maybe you’ve been waiting for that special day to kiss off that bit about “until death do you part.”
And consider this: A dozen roses will run as much as $65 at 1-800-flowers.com. So that free divorce is way cheaper.
Your spouse certainly won’t forget your creativity any time soon.
