Divorce is rarely an easy matter.
In recent years, several business ideas have been launched to cater specifically for those going through separation and divorce, with the aim of making the process just a little easier (or at least providing some light relief).
We have seen examples of divorce cakes, used as a centrepiece for ‘divorce parties’, and a divorce photography service designed to document the breakup.
Whilst some of this ideas will seem a little too frivolous, particularly for those who cherish traditional ideas of marriage, a new service from a Dutch entrepreneur is a little more dignified and practical.
The concept called Divorce Hotel aims to package the divorce process into a two day stay in a luxury hotel.
Over the course of a couple of days, the divorcing couple work with mediators to negotiate the divorce settlement, including financial and childcare arrangements.
At the end of the Divorce Hotel stay, the couple present their agreement to a judge who finalises the divorce.
Jim Halfens, who is behind the Divorce Hotel concept, has plans to expand the service with a launch in the USA and Germany. It is only a matter of time before we see something similar in the UK.
Contrary to popular belief, divorce does not have to involve adversarial solicitors battling across a courtroom floor. In fact, this option is only suited to those divorcing couples who absolutely cannot reach an agreement without resorting to the law.
In the worst case scenario, all decisions are made by a judge after hearing the facts of a case. In the best cases, divorcing couples reach their own agreements (with access to legal advice where needed) and ask the court to ‘rubber stamp’ any settlements.
Mediation and collaborative law are becoming increasingly popular options on divorce, not only due to the potential cost savings but also because they tend to result in a ‘friendlier’ experience for all parties involved, with a more equitable outcome.
If checking in to a five-star hotel for a couple of days to settle the financial aspects of your divorce sounds like a good idea to you, we would be happy to work alongside the relevant legal professionals to provide this service.
Photo credit: Flickr/Rev. Xanatos Satanicos Bombasticos (ClintJCL)
