[/FLOATL]Divorces may Spike after Change in Law
"For those who want to divorce or who are just mulling over the possibility of separating from their husbands, there is no reason to take action prior to April 2007," said a 52-year-old housewife living in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, who asked that her name not be used. "That's the iron rule of divorce for many wives now."
Under a new law taking effect in April, housewives can obtain up to half their husbands' pensions in a divorce settlement -- a change that has experts predicting an increased number of breakups come springtime.
To prepare for the change, the Social Insurance Agency on Sunday began offering a service to calculate how much of their ex-husband's pension a divorced housewife can get.
Officials at the agency said they have already begun receiving inquiries. Those seeking information are assured of confidentiality and the results of the calculation are only revealed to the applicant, not the spouse, they said.
With her two children already in college, the housewife from Setagaya Ward had considered splitting up with her husband in the past but never went through with it because of the financial hardship involved.
However, as the labor market for women improves along with the economy and with the new law coming into force, she predicted many husbands, including hers, could be in for a surprise.
"If I could be told how much money I have the right to, I'd like to know, just out of curiosity," she said, adding she may visit the Social Insurance Agency to find out more about her pension in the near future.
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She believes many unhappy spouses have been biding their time since 2001, when discussions on changes to the pension system began. The revision was passed in 2004.
"Men have just recently begun learning about the new law that divides their employee pensions, but housewives have been aware of the change since around 2001," Ikeuchi said......more...
Interesting...
GJ
