Knowing that I really shouldn’t venture into this argument, but can’t help myself…
Firstly, anyone who calls a stay-at-home parent a “whiner” or says they “don’t work” has never done it before.
I’ve worked in the public sector, private sector and as a SAHP, and being a SAHP is **by far** the most difficult job around. If you disagree, then volunteer your time to “not work” for one of those slacker moms/dads on a daily basis, for an extended period of time. You shouldn’t mind a bit, because it’s “not work.” You wouldn’t be paid, naturally, because it’s just like a vacation (according to you).
We don’t know if the husband or wife was cheating or physically abusive or an addict who spent all their money on drugs or alcohol (these people should lose all rights to any money and custody, IMHO), what the original agreement was WRT parenting the child, etc. If they both agreed that their child would have a parent home, then that agreement should stick.
Also, it looks like the WIFE paid 80% of the down payment, so how in the world did you come up with the idea that he should be entitled to the home???
This is a loser, no matter what. They need to dump the townhome and be done with it. EVERYBODY loses in a divorce because the total family income is split into fractions while the costs rise (two households on the income that supported one household). That’s why both parties tend to think the other one ripped them off.
Ultimately, when a couple has children, they should be obligated to do everything in their power to make the marriage work. Their child will suffer, no matter how “friendly” the divorce.
