SELECTED REFORM RESPONSA
thoughts of divorce. They surely entered into marriage with the understanding that they would help each other irrespective of what the future might bring.
Although there might be some technical justification for a divorce from a halakhic point of view, it would be morally wrong to follow that route in order to preserve the estate. A divorce may affect the husband despite his current condition and would certainly affect the wife and children.
We should seek an alternative way to help her both now and in the future, especially as these questions arise frequently and the Social Security Administration is generally responsive to such efforts. Furthermore, Halakhah also encourages such practical solutions which will continue the marriage bond and avoid poverty.
The wife is dutybound to care for her husband even though there is no hope of recovery and although it may destroy her resources. We should seek alternative ways to help her both now and in the future. The lawyer in question should be encouraged to look for other ways to protect the resources of this client.