SAME PAIR THRICE DIVORCED.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14039, 23 April 1920, Page 2

SAME PAIR THRICE DIVORCED.

Geneva, February 25. A young Swiss couple named Lersner, of Zurich, have created a new kind of matrimonial record. Theyi were both aged twenty when they married about six years ago. They were divorced within a year, but fell In love again, and marriage followed, with another, divorce after fourteen months. Once more they were re-married, and divorce was pro- I lioiuiced a third time at Zurich. ' j The couple belong .to. rich families, and have no children. Joking friends frequently ask them : "Are you married or divorced: just now?" It should be added that divorce in Switzerland is much quicker and far less expensive than in America, or Scotland. A couple must personally appear before a magistrate, who attempts a reconciliation. If this fails they are sent before- a 'judicial tribunal, where,, if the couple agree to -n divorce and refuse intervention, a decree nisi is immediately pronounced, and they are free to marrv- after leaving the court. -Tire costs are £5. If the case is con-, icfited, a further trial is held, when lawyers appear for their clients. The case may cost £25,' but divorce is almost certain. Damages are rarely claimed, while co-respolidents do not appear, and children arje divided or given to the less guilty party. The principle of the Swiss divorce law is that-if a married couple are unable to live in harmony it is better that they should be given an opportunity of beginning new lives as soon as possible. This- democratic system, although it is sometimes abused, has on | the whole been very successful.