The phrase refers to a situation where an individual, often perceived as an outsider or opportunist, initiates legal proceedings to dissolve a marriage in a jurisdiction that may offer more favorable outcomes. This can involve relocating to a different state or country specifically to exploit differences in divorce laws. An example would be a person establishing residency in a state with shorter waiting periods or more lenient alimony regulations, intending to file for divorce there rather than in their previous domicile.
Understanding the dynamics of such actions is important due to the potential impact on asset division, spousal support obligations, and child custody arrangements. Historically, residency requirements for divorce have varied significantly across jurisdictions, creating opportunities for individuals to strategically select the venue for their divorce proceedings. This can lead to legal complexities and challenges related to jurisdiction and the enforcement of divorce decrees across state or national lines.
