Man Lies during a Divorce to Get Wife Jailed
Amid a harsh divorce, a man's plot to incarcerate his wife took an unforeseen detour. Rather than the expected outcome, a wholly surprising development unfolded, altering the trajectory of their story. Keep reading to find out more.
In July 2023, a woman, now a grandmother, shared a remarkable tale from the 90s on Reddit's "Petty Revenge" forum, casting a nostalgic glance back at a time when the world operated differently. Back then, cellular phones were more like bulky "bag phones" or large brick-like satellite devices, and computers were shared among families.
The setting for the story was Williamson County, Texas—a place dominated by an entrenched old boys' club culture. This was an era where even possessing a small amount of cannabis could land you in jail—a reality believed to persist in the county even today.
A woman is pictured crying mid-argument with her husband | Source: Shutterstock
The narrative began with the woman's divorce proceedings in the early 90s. Her decision to end the marriage had left her ex-husband infuriated. Having originally owned the house before their union, she retained possession of it after he moved out.
According to OP, the judge's command was—to either produce the money and the items or face imprisonment for contempt of court.
However, his anger and resentment drove him to break back in, unleashing his frustration by vandalizing her belongings. He spared nothing, tearing apart everything, from precious jewelry and clothes to the woman's cherished items. Though she lacked concrete proof, she had no doubt it was his doing.
The Game Plan
Amid their divorce proceedings, the original poster's husband handed the judge a comprehensive list of items he asserted he had brought into their home before marriage. The motive was clear—to depict her as uncooperative and potentially subject her to contempt of court.
Yet, OP's legal counsel swiftly recognized that several of the items were never his to begin with, exposing the plan's flaws. His goal was simple: to either see her imprisoned or face a hefty $2,000 fine. Unperturbed by the ultimatum, she firmly chose imprisonment.
A man is pictured standing inside his apartment after a burglary episode. | Source: Shutterstock
Days before her court appearance, a perceptive friend reviewed the list. The friend noted the vagueness of her husband's descriptions—phrases like "gun" without specifics. Subsequently, a brilliant idea was born: to acquire similar items for a modest cost of around $200, thereby avoiding jail time.
Embracing this unconventional approach, the anonymous storyteller transformed the handwritten list, devoid of serial numbers, descriptions, or indicating marks, into a scavenger hunt. With pawn shops and resale stores as allies, she embarked on a quest to procure the listed items, albeit with a twist.
A couple going through divorce papers | Source: Shutterstock
The result was a collection that included a rusty cap gun, an aged toolkit, goodwill-donated attire, a handmade clay creation, aged blades, a worn-out pan, matches, and a modest tarp—a quirky ensemble of responses.
A particular highlight was the "Monopoly" board without any game pieces. Armed with this mix of resourcefulness and determination, the woman packaged these unconventional finds, poised to spring an unforeseen twist that would reshape their narrative, unbeknownst to her then-husband.
Book with title Texas law and a gavel | Source: Shutterstock
When the Tables Turned
The experience turned into an unexpected source of enjoyment as the woman embarked on a scavenger hunt, gathering the whimsical assortment of items that loosely matched her husband's vague descriptions. Amidst laughter, the process was even captured on video, the excitement of boxing up each find palpable.
In a creative twist orchestrated by her attorney, the judge was informed that the items had been discovered in the attic, a forgivable oversight. With an air of nonchalant finality, the judge instructed her attorney to deliver the box to his counterpart's office, signifying the end of the divorce proceedings.
The courtroom drama dissolved, replaced by an anticlimactic resolution. Her only lingering wish was to witness her now ex-husband's facial expressions as he encountered the box's contents—unwanted remnants of a fabricated narrative.
A male judge in a courtroom is pictured hitting his gavel | Source: Shutterstock
In the end, justice was served in a remarkably unconventional manner, as the judge's orders were ingeniously fulfilled. Her unyielding determination and refusal to submit to an unjust demand had propelled her through the storm of the unexpected. The memory of her audacious act continued to kindle a spark of joy within OP as she looked back on the incident three decades later.
According to OP, the judge's command was—to either produce the money or the items or face imprisonment for contempt of court. The judge hadn't decreed the $2,000 figure but instead was her ex-husband's own calculation.
He aimed to extract something from the situation, devising a scheme predicated on the assumption that she'd be compelled to pay. However, the sum was substantial, and given her financial constraints and unwavering determination, it wasn't an option she entertained.
Neon pawn shop sign | Source: Shutterstock
The woman's account on Reddit received an enthusiastic response from the community, with many applauding her and her friend's intelligent handling of the situation.
Some highlighted her adept retention of a personal "get out of jail free" card, while others playfully suggested her friend could excel as a divorce consultant due to her wise and strategic approach. Additionally, there were lighthearted offers to appoint her as a "Spirit Animal," acknowledging her unique prowess in taking pettiness to new heights.
Household electrical and scrapped electronic devices in recycle box | Source: Shutterstock
What do you think about this story? Click here to read another one about a husband who set a trap for his unsuspecting cheating wife, which led to the whole family and friends receiving proof of her actions.