Divorce Hotels: The Netherlands Unique Approach To Dissolving A Marriage~2 min read
It’s a very difficult situation when two people are divorcing. The process can take a lot of time and money, and only lead to more frustration. It is not an easy process but is one that the Netherlands is taking a new approach to resolving. They have introduced “Divorce Hotels”. The divorcing couple checks in on Friday and leaves on Sunday with a divorce agreement.
How do they do it? Well, they have a team of mediators, psychologists, and lawyers that get involved to help facilitate the final divorce agreement. The cost can range from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the complexity of the assets and whether there is a fight over custody of the children. The parties then sit down and try to resolve the divorce as amicably as possible, all while spending the entire weekend in a hotel.
The process isn’t for everybody, as noted in this article by ABCnews. “Not all divorces are so amicable. Halfens said the hotel only works if both parties are keen to make a clean break. “We can’t split up everybody,” he said, adding that couples who are “aggressive” or “childish” usually need a traditional and somewhat lengthy divorce. “First, we invite them to our head office for a conversation; we ask them about the situation. If it’s possible, we book them into the hotel. If not, we help them with a traditional divorce.”
This method is really interesting, as it is very similar to the collaborative divorce process our firm currently provides. Collaborative Divorce, just like in the Divorce Hotel, requires parties that are ready to split amicably and want to avoid prolonged and expensive litigation.
As is noted in the article, the program is looking to branch out to the United States. In fact, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher were the first ones invited to partake in the program. While Ashton and Demi denied the request, it does look like it will be coming to the States so keep an eye out for a strange new way of getting divorced.
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