In a recent divorce case in Zhejiang province, eastern China, the courtroom drama unfolded as a wife, Wang Xia, took legal action against her husband, Chen Kai, after discovering his secret life with a second family spanning 12 years, according to the South China Morning Post.
The revelation of financial support provided by Chen to his clandestine family added a layer of complexity to the divorce proceedings.
The Court’s Verdict
The court, responding to the gravity of the situation, awarded Wang Xia full ownership of four flats that were initially under joint ownership. This landmark decision underscores the legal consequences of maintaining a second family during a marriage.
Discovery of the Extramarital Affair
The startling revelation came to light when a group of debt collectors visited Wang Xia’s home, seeking her husband. This unexpected encounter led Wang to the shocking discovery of her husband’s double life, bringing to the forefront years of deception.
Chen Kai, who had successfully built a company from scratch over 30 years ago, had been secretly supporting his second family financially. The extent of his deception became apparent as he had transferred a substantial sum of 10 million yuan (US$1.4 million) to his brother and father to conceal the source of the funds.
Chen’s Attempt at Reconciliation
Faced with exposure, Chen resorted to desperate measures to salvage his marriage. He cajoled his wife, knelt before her in remorse, and made promises of unwavering loyalty, all in an attempt to dissuade her from pursuing a divorce. Wang, initially swayed by his pleas and considering their son’s well-being, decided to stay in the marriage.
However, a year later, their son expressed support for the divorce, prompting Wang to reconsider her decision. The subsequent filing for separation marked the beginning of a legal battle that would lay bare the financial intricacies of Chen’s illicit actions.
Legal Proceedings and Asset Investigation
Wang Xia, initially unaware of the details of her husband’s business and financial holdings, took the bold step of filing a lawsuit against Chen. She requested the court to delve into the investigation of Chen’s assets, leading to the revelation of the 10 million yuan transferred to his family members.
The court, acknowledging Wang’s innocence in the breakdown of the marriage, decided to award her full ownership of the jointly held flats as a form of damages. This decision reflects the legal standpoint on financial deception within a marriage.
Ongoing Battle for Property Ownership
Wang Xia’s pursuit of justice extends beyond the courtroom as she seeks to reclaim ownership of properties that her husband purchased for his second family. The verdict on this aspect of the case is pending, adding another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous divorce.