Gotta love community-property laws. They govern how marital assets and debts are divided in divorce, assuming no prenup exists. Theoretically, they are gender-neutral. Yeah, right.

It is big news that Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey are divorcing. According to press accounts, these very public lovebirds married without a prenup, meaning that California community-property laws kick in. California family code also dictates that the higher-earning spouse — traditionally, the husband — pay monthly marital support (alimony) to the lower-earning spouse. Marital-support payments usually endure for a period equal to half the length of the marriage. If the marriage is long (e.g. 20 years), the alimony can last a lifetime.

In 2006, more and more wives outearn their husbands. When Jessica and Nick got hitched, he was the star and higher earner. After they married, however, her star — and income — surpassed his. Now, she allegedly earns 10X what he earns. The financial settlement should be straightforward, right? The law is the law, right? Are you kidding me?

In our society of lopsided double standards, where a woman can become anything and earn anything she sets her mind to achieve, yet still expects the man to wine & dine her, it is, apparently, OK for her to fleece her husband in divorce. But, if a man wants to collect from his wife in a divorce, according to the law, G-d help him. He’s a wimp. He’s no man at all. Such unchivalrous behavior is considered reprehensible.

An article appeared today in the National Ledger by Karen Diaz, in which she shows her disdain for Nick Lachey’s female behavior. Well, it is what females do, right? In characterizing his reaction as accurate and predictable, Diaz quotes actor Jamie Foxx, who told ET: “A real man don’t do those kind of things. I don’t really agree with that because I think it’s a cop-out. You got to get up and do your own thing.” Foxx then propositioned Simpson, saying: “Jessica, if you’re looking, holler at a real man.”

Diaz wrote further: Lachey will likely face a bit of heat if he follows through and tries to milk his wife for support. Not many men that are in the public eye would seek cash, jewelry, and monthly stipends from their hard-working ex-wives. Many men (and women) will see that just as Foxx does. Expect more whispers challenging Lachey’s manhood.

So, you see, folks, society continues to teach us that men are providers and women are collectors, that a man is worth no more or less than what’s in his wallet. Unfortunately, Jamie Foxx agrees. Speak for yourself, pal.