Will online divorces undermine marriage?

With around 17 per cent of couples getting married meeting each other online, it’s little wonder some internet-savvy individuals have come up with a quick-click solution for the ones who find their love doesn’t last.

Thousands of British couples are now turning to divorce websites like Divorce-Online, which allow them to sort out their decree nisi in front of a computer screen instead of the dreaded divorce lawyer. And with prices starting from as little as £37, the number of those opting for an online split looks set to rise as the recession continues to bite.

Many couples now feel suspicious of lawyers seen to be making a fast buck out of divorce, while Government plans to scrap legal aid for divorce are likely to make the prospect of an online arrangement all the more appealing.

Solicitors typically charge £150-200 and the cost of a UK divorce averages at £3,636, so the internet option stands to save couples a good whack of cash, even after the £385 court fees are taken into consideration. But does it have a downside?

Marriage counsellors and family policy analysts have expressed concern that online divorces will undermine the institution of marriage and result in couples making serious financial mistakes when it comes to the division of assets and wealth. Whether this is true remains to be seen, but, for now, one thing seems certain:  the days of the drawn-out divorce are set to be over.

Do you agree with online divorces? Would you ever consider one yourself? Or do you think marriage is an important institution that shouldn’t be made easier to duck out of? Share your views in the comments section below.