In modern society divorce is so common that it has become a subject which is considered acceptable to discuss casually. With at least one in three marriages ending in divorce the appeal of marriage has decreased and so, it seems has the sanctity.

In the newspapers and on the television we often see just how divorce affects people. A prime example of this would be the divorce between Paul McCartney and Heather Mills in March 2008 following a four year marriage. It was dragged through the media and Heather Mills went to almost every morning television show and magazine available in an attempt to gain sympathy from the public. She finally stopped doing so after she broke down in tears on Ryan Seacrest’s KIIS FM Morning Show. This was a prime example of the stress that fighting in court when trying to settle ownership of assets can cause. Heather Mills wasn’t the first person to have a breakdown due to the stress of divorce.

It can be especially difficult when a relationship has ended on bad terms. Things can also turn nasty if the couple have children. Both parents are entitled to see their children and if one tries to prevent the other then it can lead to further legal action.

When the court battles become too stressful it isn’t uncommon for one of the divorcees to agree to a settlement out of court. This of course reduces the stress and saves divorce lawyers what could be weeks of appearances in court.