SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WTVR) – Valentine's Day may conjure up images of flowers, candy and other gifts of love, but to a Michigan attorney, the day is about something else.
Attorney Walter Bentley III is giving away a free divorce on Valentine's Day to the couple with the best break-up story, according to a report from WDIV.
Bentley , who is also a law professor, said his eyebrow-raising idea came from a student's very different take on love.
"She was having a divorce party to celebrate her divorce and I thought about Valentine's Day and said, "Hey, why not help someone move on to that independence on Valentine's Day?'" pondered Bentley.
Bentley is asking anyone who would like to take part in the free Valentine's divorce contest to send him a quick note on his websitetelling him the circumstances. And he said he has already had several dozen takers. [Entries accepted through midnight on Feb. 12]
"They're basically separated from their spouse but they're living in the house together and it's a very contentious house because no one has the money to move forward," he said.
The divorce would normally cost roughly $3000.
"We're really looking for the most heartwarming [story] that person who truly deserves it."
Not everyone thinks the contest is a good idea. At the Flower Loft Florists in Southfield, workers like Barb Cummings are already cutting and building their Valentine's Day special: half a dozen roses with a teddy bear and chocolates.
"It's terrible. Who would offer a free divorce for Valentine's Day?" Barb Cummings asked. "Valentine's Day is for love not sorrow."
