A concept being called the “Divorce Hotel” has been introduced in another country, designed to help divorcing couples end their marriages quickly and without many of the hassles commonly associated with divorce. While such an idea differs significantly from anything in practice in Maryland or the rest of the United States, the entrepreneur who developed the Divorce Hotel says the experiment has proven to be a success.
The entrepreneur developed the idea after discovering that an average divorce in his country can take several months and cost couples thousands of dollars. Couples who use the Divorce Hotel stay at a number of high-end hotels across the country for two days, during which time they meet with several lawyers and a mediator. These experts help couples negotiate and agree on the division of assets, child custody arrangements, spousal support and other divorce issues within two days.
The Divorce Hotel’s creator told reporters that all work is done by the time a couple leaves the hotel. The Divorce Hotel’s sales manager said that most of the program’s participants check in together but opt to stay in separate rooms. She explained that hotel staff monitors the participants during their stay.
Currently, couples must submit applications to be accepted by the program. Following the application, they undergo a screening process by the company’s legal team. Couples who are especially bitter with each other or prone to frequent arguing are generally rejected.
And while this program is not available in the United States, there are options available for people who want to get through the divorce process more quickly, such as mediation.
Source: News.com.au, “Dutch ‘Divorce Hotel’ helps couples untie the knot,” Feb. 6, 2012
