A “divorce app” is being developed by the Government as part of a multi-million pound scheme for couples trying to end their marriage.
The application, which is set to be available for download on computers and mobile phones, is part of a scheme worth up to £14 million from the Department of Work and Pensions.
The Government wants private companies and charities to use the money to create a “menu” of services which would be accessible via the app.
New boyfriend
Included in the application may be advice for meeting a former spouse’s new boyfriend or girlfriend, help for wives who have been left for younger women, and tips on dealing with stepchildren.
Guidance on avoiding arguments and arranging child payments could also be part of the application, as well as advice on what to do if second thoughts arise about divorce.
Maria Miller, a Minister with the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “The fund will be for interventions that can help parents work together, including intensive counselling, emotional support and mediation, as well as online and telephone advice.”
Cash in
In 2010 Debenhams was accused of glorifying divorce with the launch of a Divorce Gift List. At the time the high street chain was criticised for ‘cashing in’ on “the misery of people whose marriages have come under pressure”.
The previous year a London law firm was told it was trivialising divorce after it sold divorce vouchers for Christmas.
And in 2008 a survey of children under the age of ten revealed that if they ruled the world the first thing they would do is ban divorce.