Understanding Divorce in a Broader Cultural Context
Seeing your Northern Virginia divorce in a broader cultural context can be illuminating. While you may be more focused on getting your life in control and protecting your children, it can be helpful to step back and consider the bigger picture for a few minutes.
The UK Divorce Scandal
A well-regarded family judge in Britain recently overturned 180 divorces obtained by Italians. He dubbed the scandal “a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice on an almost industrial scale.”
What Happened?
Attorneys for the Crown argued that “the [Italian] divorces were procured by fraud” as couples tried to circumvent Italy’s legal divorce process, which requires couples to be legally separated for three years before officially divorcing. Instead of waiting, these 180 couples went to England to break off their marriages early.
Authorities in the UK first noticed the scheme back in 2012, when 179 divorce petitions listed the same address. Sir James Mundy, arguing for the Crown, wryly noted that “given the dimensions of the mailbox, it is clear that not even a single individual, however small, can possibly reside in it.” The judge agreed, stating that the petitioners had deceived the English court into believing it had jurisdiction over the cases.
The Bigger Picture: Desperation in Divorce
While this scandal occurred overseas, involving different court systems and laws than those governing divorces in Northern Virginia, it highlights the extreme lengths some people will go to when trying to exit a marriage.
Even if you were desperate to separate from your spouse due to infidelity or lack of affection, would you go as far as defrauding a foreign country’s legal system? Would you risk the severe legal consequences?
Avoid Complications in Your Divorce
Avoid annoying or legally troublesome complications with your case by connecting with a qualified Northern Virginia divorce lawyer early in the process. Call DiPietro Law Group, PLLC today to schedule a confidential consultation with us at (888) 530-4374.