I’m currently trying to get a divorce and settlement from my ex. She had an extramarital relationship and left me for that person. Fast forward 12 months and I receive a letter from her lawyer with a “generous offer” where I pay my ex $280,000 on top of $60,000 that she already received when we separated. Now, to be clear, that is everything I own. I would have to sell my house, my vehicles and part with almost all of my savings with exception of my superannuation and give her all of that money. Not a bad payout since she barely worked throughout those years and contributed little to the relationship.

So I built a rebuttal, complete with documentation, and lawyered up. Since then my ex has stopped participating in the conversation which only leaves me the option of taking it to court, which could cost upwards of $70,000. So I might still lose a lot but not as much.

If you had asked me at the start of our relationship, 10 years ago, whether something like this would happen I’d say there’s no way. The truth is you never know how someone might change over the years and whether they’ll still be the same person you fell in love with.