Divorce Hotel: Separating couples can visit HERE and then divorce
DIVORCE HOTEL Divorce Hotel will give separating couples the change to wine and dine, then get a divorce
The idea of the scheme is to allow partners to vent their arguments and views in neutral territory without racking up hefty lawyer fees. Couples will check in to a hotel and stay in separate rooms while they settle their affairs and seal their divorce, then officially split three months later. The single catch is that the idea only works for couples who are friends or are on good terms with each other.
If couples want to use the Divorce Hotel they obviously can't be wanting to throw furniture at each other David Leckie
The Divorce Hotel's creator David Leckie says a couple got de-hitched at an undisclosed hotel in York last month and believes the idea will take off. Mr Leckie said the anonymous pair mediated terms of their divorce while watching a rugby match together and having a "last supper" before saying their final goodbyes. He said: "If couples want to use the Divorce Hotel they obviously can't be wanting to throw furniture at each other. Both have got to want a positive outcome for each other - people have got to want to move on in an amicable fashion."
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE The idea is for couples to vent their arguments in a neutral territory
The trained mediator and counsellor brought the concept to Britain in March following its success in the US. He believes there is a demand for "divorcing in a positive manner" - but admits English law does not make it easy and tends to encourage "the blame game". At Divorce Hotel, which uses a host of undisclosed venues, couples will already arrive with their affairs in order and willing to get down to the legal separating straight away.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE The idea only works for couples who are friends or are on good terms
Mr Leckie, who has worked in the field for 25 years, says the idea of the couple being in the hotel helps them mediate terms without distractions of other family members. He said: "This is really good for people who want to divorce efficiently, effectively and non-acrimoniously. Divorce can turn the most loving relationship into the most hurtful." Over the weekend couples will work with a mediator and lawyer to an agreed budget - coasting between £6,000 and £10,000 depending on the complexities. The paperwork is usually finalised over the weekend and be sent to the courts, with the divorce coming through three months later.
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The couple who attended the Britain's first ever Divorce Hotel and wished to remain anonymous said they came away happy from the experience. They had been happily married for 24 years and had adult children, but had grown apart and wished to separate - but remain friends. The wife said: "I don't feel sad. The whole process means closure to the marriage - but not closure to the relationship." The couple's experience at Divorce Hotel was a highly positive one as they spent one afternoon watching the rugby together and a final meal as husband and wife.
GETTY - STOCK IMAGE Couples will work with a mediator and lawyer to an agreed budget