Court orders man to financially compensate ex-wife for housework

In a landmark divorce ruling, a Chinese court ordered a man to pay his ex-wife thousands of dollars in compensation for housework performed during their five-year marriage.

According to court documents, the man, identified only as Chen, filed for divorce from his wife, Wang, last year after a five-year marriage.

Although reluctant to grant him a divorce at first, the woman later demanded that he pay her for all the work she had done as a full-time housewife during their marriage, adding that he did not ‘had not participated in their child’s education and’ hardly cared or participated in any kind of household chores’.

Recently, a Beijing family court ruled in the woman’s favor, sparking a heated debate in China.

Wang had asked her husband for restitution equivalent to $ 24,700, but the court determined that she was only entitled to financial compensation equivalent to $ 7,700.

The Beijing Fangshan District Court ordered Chen to make a one-time payment of 50,000 yuan, as well as to pay his ex-wife 2,000 yuan in monthly child support.

The landmark decision was made possible by the new Chinese Civil Code, which entered into force in recent years, and which stipulates that a spouse has the right to seek compensation in the event of a divorce, if he considers that he is. more responsible for raising children, helping partner take care of elderly parents.

Previously divorcing couples could only divide tangible property, and housework was an intangible property value.

The decision sparked a heated debate on Chinese social media, with most people expressing indignation at the small payment the woman received for five years of housework.

Others said the case should serve as a warning to other women not to give up their hopes and aspirations and become housewives, while a few said this was one of the reasons why people are reluctant to get married today.

“I’m a little speechless, the job of a full-time housewife is underestimated. In Beijing, hiring a nanny for a year costs more than 50,000 yuan, ”someone commented.

“Ladies, remember to always be independent. Don’t give up work after marriage, make your own way, ”another wrote.

Feng Miao, the judge who presided over this controversial court case, told China’s National Radio that he expected more similar cases to be filed in the near future, adding that the judge still needed more time. and experience to estimate the right amount of money in compensation for intangible assets. active.