(Newser) – A Michigan lawyer is giving out an unconventional Valentine's Day gift: a freebie divorce. Walter H. Bentley III is running a contest on his website, and will help the lucky man or lady who tells "the most compelling and convincing story" of why he or she needs to split do just that, reports ABC News. What kind of a tale is he looking for? How about a terminal one! "Somebody diagnosed with cancer," he gives as an example. "Maybe that's one reason their spouse no longer wants to be with them."

A foreclosure could sweeten the sob story, too. "Maybe they're struggling to make ends meet, and they don't have enough money for a divorce," he says. Of course, the divorce will only be free if it's uncontested and involves "no or minimum child custody," and only a Michigan resident can win. The contest closes at 11:59pm tonight, and almost 500 people have applied so far. Bentley will choose the winner with the help of his colleagues, and he estimates the prize is worth $1,500 to $3,000. (Read more divorce stories.)

