It's hard for to feel sorry for a woman who is receiving a $43 million divorce settlement, and is still claiming that she can't possibly survive on such a small sum of money. Marie Douglas-David and former investment banker George David are getting a divorce, and of course, fighting over the money. His net worth is estimated at $329 million.


They were married in 2002, and for doing less than 7 years of hard time, Marie wants a lump sum of $100 million and $130,000 a month alimony. That's $1.56 million a year in alimony, plus that nice chunk of change up front. The problem is that in 2005, in the middle of the marriage (after they had a number of break-ups and reconciliations), Marie signed an agreement saying she'd get $43 million when they divorced.

Of course, George is a heartless bastard who clearly wants her to starve, because she can't possibly live on only $43 million! The 36 year-old says her weekly expenses are over $53,000, and those must be paid! The weekly expenses include maintaining four homes (one on Park Avenue, one in Sweden), $4,500 of clothing, $1,000 for hair and skin treatments, $8,000 for travel, and more.

How can one person spend that much money in a week? I'm not sure. But let's be honest: The agreement she signed is giving her more than $6 million for each year she's been married. That seems like more than fair, even if her 67 year-old soon-to-be ex is worth several hundred million. She clearly didn't help him earn that money. She only helped him spend it and shouldn't be rewarded for that.

Marie doesn't deserve to live in the lap of luxury for the rest of her life simply for being a successful gold-digger. Although one might suggest that $43 million is more than enough to live a very comfortable life from here on out. I'd be willing to giving it a try. Anyone have $43 million they'd like to give me?

Forensic accountant Tracy Coenen investigates corporate fraud and consumer scams, and is the author of Expert Fraud Investigation and Essentials of Corporate Fraud.