Vienna set to host world’s first divorce fair

VIENNA: Vienna is to host what organisers have dubbed the world’s first “divorce fair” this month, aimed at couples whose wedding dreams have turned sour and need help in untying the knot as painlessly as possible.

At the October 27-28 event, would-be divorcees can consult, anonymously if they wish, a host of lawyers on their rights and obligations, and seek advice on difficult questions, such as alimony and child access. They can also consult experts on how best to organise their new post-married lives.

Nearly 50% of all marriages in Austria end in divorce — the figure is 66% in Vienna — and the two-day fair is being held under the motto: “Start your life afresh”. Organisers are hoping it will bloom into a twice-yearly event.

Some 20 exhibitors have registered, not only lawyers, but also estate agents, life-crisis experts and — reflecting the messy side of divorce — private detective firms and DNA laboratories offering paternity tests.

The archdiocese of the city of Vienna will also have a stand, as will a company offering package holidays for freshly divorced people.