Uncoupling: The Divorce Hotel

Is this the greatest thing since sliced bread? My divorced friends, who all feel they paid too much for their freedom, think so.

The New York Times is reporting that a Dutch entrepreneur named Jim Halfens has created a quicker, perhaps kinder, way for couples to end their marriages. Over the course of a weekend, couples check into a hotel (separate rooms) and then spend the next two days meeting with independent lawyers and mediators. They check out on Sunday, divorce papers in hand, paying a flat fee of between $3,500 and $10,000. Since most divorces cost twice that amount--and don't include room service--the process has been quite successful in the Netherlands.

So much so that Mr. Halfens is in negotiations to bring the Divorce Hotel to North America. And he may create a reality TV show around these hotels, too. Stay tuned.