Lawyer Ah Hao and judge’s assistant Xiao Wen, who married last year, have filed for divorce less than six months after their wedding. Ah Hao discovered that Xiao Wen had an affair with another man, Ah Hao (alias), during which they allegedly spent nights together and exchanged nude photos. Following the discovery, Ah Hao filed for divorce and sought NT$1,000,000 (approximately MYR 140,000) in compensation.
According to court documents, Ah Hao and Xiao Wen married in early July last year. By the end of the year, Xiao Wen had engaged in inappropriate intimate behavior with another man, including kissing, hugging, overnight stays, outings, and sexual activity—actions deemed beyond normal boundaries between colleagues or acquaintances. These events made the marriage untenable, prompting Ah Hao to request a divorce.
Ah Hao stated that Xiao Wen had previously told him at a café that her affair partner was unaware she was married and that no sexual activity occurred, and that she had cut contact. However, in another related case regarding spousal rights, Xiao Wen admitted that her partner knew she was married, had sexual relations with her, and that they were still in contact.
Xiao Wen reportedly told Ah Hao, “I never loved you; I married you only because you treated me too well.” Devastated by the betrayal, Ah Hao filed for divorce. He noted that he had spent freely on their wedding, including gold jewelry, a diamond ring, a wedding gown, and NT$220,000 (≈ MYR 30,800) on a honeymoon gift bag for Xiao Wen. He sought compensation for financial and emotional damages totaling NT$1,000,000 (≈ MYR 140,000).
In court, Xiao Wen admitted to the extramarital affair but countered that Ah Hao had exhibited controlling behavior after marriage, restricting her social interactions and forcing her to do household chores. She denied that the wedding and honeymoon expenses were damages she should repay.
The court ultimately ruled that Xiao Wen’s affair was the primary cause of the marriage breakdown. The judge determined that wedding and honeymoon expenses were normal marital costs and not directly related to damages from the divorce. Considering both parties’ professional status and the emotional trauma caused, the court ordered Xiao Wen to pay NT$200,000 (approximately MYR 28,000) in emotional damages to Ah Hao.
