A cheating husband has paid his former lover more than $100,000 under Australia's new "mistress laws". In the first known case of its kind in Victoria, the Melbourne businessman was sued under changes to the Family Law Act - which gives rights to people in de facto relationships and same-sex marriages.
Legal experts say the case, prompted by the end of an affair of more than 20 years, will strike fear into the hearts of philanderers nationwide. The woman, who has not been named for legal reasons, said not only did she deserve the money, but others should follow her lead. "I gave him the best years of my life," she said.
"He got a lot of relaxation away from the stresses of his business life. When he came to me he did not have to worry about business. And I provided him with a lot of moral and emotional support. So this is also about giving our relationship a validity. It is a recognition that I have added something of value to his life.
"Now I am beginning to come to terms with life again. The money provides me with a security in my later years. This law has made a difference for me, so hopefully it will make a difference for others like me."
The new federal laws for maintenance and division of assets for de facto couples, mistresses and same-sex couples came into effect on March 1 and any disputes are heard by the Family Court or the Federal Magistrates' Court.
The laws give some mistresses, as well as de facto and same-sex couples, the same rights as married couples.
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