<b>Online Divorce: Spreading the Message </b> 

It is better to quietly buy a booklet and CD to process one’s divorce than file for bankruptcy after the case has been fought and lost. More importantly, the increased number of divorces is here to stay for sometime, researchers feel, as it has stabilised as a trend. There has been a slump in the sheer number of divorces in 2005, and the Office of National Statistics is still busy celebrating it, but the fact remains there has been no decrease in the divorce rate. There have been fewer marriages, therefore, the difference in numbers.

In the given situation, online divorce seems to be a relief for those who are planning a simple, no-faults divorce that should be over and done as fast as possible, at little cost, and without the indignity of turning up at court. In fact, the old school should support this format, since it keeps both the client and lawyer happy, the government less weighed down with papers, and the factor of delaying at court does not come in. It can be done in the privacy of one’s home pc, without the conspicuous visit to the lawyer, or taking an even more painfully obvious ‘divorce leave’ from office. But the problem is, do enough people know about it? There are several companies who have been doing excellent work, and providing very competitive prices where online divorces are concerned. They are law firms, but their packages have been equally, and in some cases, more and more user-friendly. Quickie Divorce starts initiating an online divorce at only £40, completes all forms at £69, provides changed wills at £10, and Clean Break Agreements at £59. Divorce Online does the divorce package at £65. The advantage is that these being law firms, they have more experience, and they are actually checking, filing and processing your forms for you, while a supermarket like Tesco will only let you buy the forms (which you could have got for free at any local court, minus the booklet and CD of course). What is more, Quickie is offering free phone consultancy to their online clients. Honestly, it is not possible to dig out a better bargain.  The responsibility of spreading the message lies firstly with these companies. Divorce Online has made an attractive television commercial on its online service. It shows a couple contemplating divorce. There is a lawyer standing between them, who slowly gets erased from the screen, as the couple apply online, their request gets processed, and they part in peace. Other online firms should also consider getting similar advertisements floated on television and print. One needs to go public to reach the public.  Then there are the usual internet tactics of hiring bloggers, putting in pop-ups and banners, and roping in other sites to recommend them. Notably, the sites that provide advice on child custody, single parenting, coping with emotional stress, and finance management should be targeted. A very large number of visitors come into them everyday, many of them being casual surfers peeping in to look at other people’s worries, or fascinated by the nice fonts and friendly texts. It would be great if one of our beloved celebrities could get themselves a hassle-free divorce from an online service provider, but that seems unlikely.  Another good channel is the government. Mediation centres, counselling and day care offices, as well as providers of Legal Aid would do a real community service to inform the visitors about online divorce. It is important for the online firms to look beyond the cities only. There is a demand for low-cost divorces everywhere, and in every community, if only the message can be spread effectively.

 <b>Objections </b> From the client’s side, there are only two objections that may arise to online divorce, and both can be tackled easily. One concerns insecurity, which is alleviated if the firm is big enough. The other is lacking a personal touch. This can be managed by putting in the free phone-in service like Quickie. There aren’t too many obstacles on the way; all that is needed is a bit of good old-fashioned beating of the drums.        

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you want to find out more about a solicitor managed <a href="http://www.managed-divorce.co.uk">divorce</a> see http://www.managed-divorce.co.uk