Law firm sparks outrage by offering free divorces - as long as couples apply by June 30

[Alison J Stevens]

Law firm sparks outrage by offering free divorces - as long as couples apply by June 30

 

By Luke Salkeld

Last updated at 5:25 PM on 20th June 2011

 

 

 

It is not a profession known for its compassion or sensitivity.

But a firm of lawyers has attracted scorn by trying to attract new customers with a special offer – of a free divorce.

Church leaders say the initiative encourages couples to make a speedy decision to split up rather than trying to save their marriage.

Follett Stock Solicitors advertised the free divorces - which usually cost around £600 - on flyers, its website and Twitter.

 

Marketing ploy: Church leaders say the initiative encourages couples to make a speedy decision to split up rather than trying to save their marriage

The advert reads: ‘'Do you need a divorce? Would you like a lawyer who is straight-talking and hates jargon? Would you like a FREE divorce? 

'If you answered YES, YES, YES then Follett Stock is the law firm for you. Instruct Follett Stock’s Exeter office by June 30, 2011 for your divorce and Follett Stock will do it for free.'

But Father Robin Eastoe, rector of the Heavitree team of churches in Exeter, Devon, believes the offer could encourage more couples to split up.

He said: 'Divorce is generally a tragic thing that masks an awful lot of pain and does not need to be marketed and advertised.

'It should be a couple's own decision made at their own pace. Saying 'come on do it quickly as it's free' puts an awful lot of pressure on people at a sensitive time when they are hurting.’

He continued: 'I don't think people are blasé about divorce but often a little bit of sensitive counselling could save a lot of marriages.

Associate partner Rebecca Gurgul, from the firm, said the free service was just to help those in need

'Problems in marriage are often very common and not impossible to sort out.

'The solicitors wants business but should think more about the impact on people.

'Putting a time limit on it is definitely putting pressure on people to make a snap decision. In the interests of society, we should put as much effort as possible to strengthening marriage.’

The legal firm is advertising the offer with the words: ’Be quick and don't miss out', and yesterday claimed that it was simply 'making life easier for couples at a difficult time'.

But Martin Sheppard, spokesman for the Diocese of Exeter, slammed the offer, and said: ‘The free divorce offer is an attention-seeking stunt intended to attract business from elsewhere.

'Its tone seems at odds with the emotional cost that will always be involved somewhere in divorce cases.'

The UK divorce rate has been falling since 2003 and is at its lowest level since the 1970s.

Associate partner Rebecca Gurgul, from the firm, said the free service was just to help those in need and only applied to the process of putting paperwork before the court.

It does not include court fees, defended divorce proceedings, sorting out finances or arrangements for children, tracing a spouse or obtaining lost documents.

Miss Gurgul added: 'We don't think marriage is insignificant but a lot of people going through a divorce struggle with the cost of it all.

'An awful lot of firms off fixed-fee divorces but we decided to offer a free service for people who want a divorce but can’t afford it.

'We don't break people's marriages up. The divorce process is the same if you are a millionaire or on legal aid.

'It still takes four to six months and there are still rules in place to make sure it is all done properly.'

She added that a number of people had already signed up to the service, which started on June 1.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2005903/Law-firm-sparks-out...