Danes try to stick together

● Las Vegas may be the easiest place to get married, but when it comes to a quick divorce, Denmark stands out.

All it takes is a couple of clicks on an online form and a $70 (about R820) payment. But that’s about to change.

According to new rules proposed this week by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Copenhagen and backed by parliament, couples that agree to end their relationship will in future have to observe a three-month “reflection period”, during which they’ll be offered free counselling by the state.

The idea is to provide greater protection to children, who will also get counselling during the grace period.

Instant divorce will still be available to victims of violence or infidelity.

Denmark has the highest divorce rate in Western Europe, with nearly half of all marriages ending up on the rocks, according to last year’s figures from Statistics Denmark.

The government expects the new system to cost about $62-million through 2023, and roughly $12-million thereafter.