A screengrab from Divorce-Gay tells users to "choose your lawyer"
Website set up for 'first wave' of gay divorces
Published: 01 Feb 2013 14:43 GMT+01:00 | Print version
Updated: 01 Feb 2013 14:43 GMT+01:00
Gay marriage is not yet legal in France, but that detail has not stopped a pair of enterprising businessmen from preparing for the "inevitable first wave" of failed unions.
Just a day after the National Assembly began its marathon two-week debate on the bill to legalize gay marriage, two internet entrepreneurs began preparing for the next 'difficult' step - gay divorce.
A good six months before the law is expected to come into force, Simon Faucher and Stéphane Cola launched their site www.divorce-gay.fr.
The website features an inventory of French lawyers chosen for their particular ability to cater to gay men and lesbians seeking advice about divorce. In a statement, the creators of the new gay-friendly directory explained the rationale behind the move.
"As gays and lesbians gain new rights and freedoms, this also creates new complications and difficulties – legal, financial, and to do with inheritance – that up to now only heterosexuals experienced."
As a result, 'Divorce-Gay' guarantees users a respectful welcome from the listed lawyers, who “can answer your questions without hassle or prejudice.”
As well as divorce, the site also offers legal help on issues like adoption, assisted reproductive technology, and discrimination.
Today's headlines
The port at Larmor-Baden in Brittany. Photo: Damien Boilley
For months the people of the tiny seaside hamlet of Larmor-Baden in Brittany have been living in fear as a serial arsonist has burned down properties at will. On Wednesday French police appeared to have made a breakthrough.
READ () »
The Catholic shrine of Lourdes, Haute-Pyrénées under 1.4 metres of water after severe flooding in south-western France, which claimed its victim in the early hours of Wednesday. Photo: P. Pavani/AFP
Flash floods in south west France claimed their second victim on Wednesday when a 75-year-old man was swept away to his death in the raging waters. The flooded Catholic shrine of Lourdes was like 'a scene from a disaster movie' according to one hotel owner.
READ () »
Aedes albopictus - the Tiger mosquito. Users can check an interactive new map to get warnings and when and where to invest in some bug spray. Photo: Vigilance Moustiques/CDC
As temperatures rise and the rains continue to fall, concerns in France have turned to the country’s surging mosquito population. A new interactive map looks set to give residents and holiday-makers a head start in avoiding those nasty mossie bites.
READ () »
Reptile enthusiast Dieter Zorn, 53, died after being bitten by a viper during a demonstration aimed at helping the public "get over unfounded fears and eliminate prejudices." Photo: Reptile Show
A reptile enthusiast died after being bitten by a viper during a demonstration in southern France, which was aimed to help audiences overcome their fear of snakes. The man died from a heart attack due to a rare allergy, his colleague told The Local.
READ () »
File photo of a Chopard necklace. Photo:AFP
A suspected member of the notorious Pink Panther gang of international jewel thieves has been arrested near Paris,
police sources told AFP on Wednesday.
READ () »
Photo: George Groutas
Two of France's most famous luxury brands look set for a bitter court battle after deluxe bag maker Hermès accused the Louis Vuitton group LVMH of "historic fraud", as a long running bitter feud took a new twist on Wednesday.
READ () »
Airbus's new A350 long-haul aircraft does a taxi test at Toulouse-Blagnace aerodrome in south-western France on June 11th. Photo: Eric Cabanis/AFP
French airline company Air France confirmed on Wednesday a multi-billion euro order of Airbus's new A350 planes. The planes are not yet in service and only recently carried out a test flight (see video).
READ () »
"Do you know where is the Eiffel Tower?" A new campaign hopes to teach tourism professionals in Pairs how to understand their international clients. Photo: CCI/CRT
The days of the rude Paris waiter or shopkeeper may soon be over. As part of a new campaign, Paris tourism chiefs published a training manual this week aimed at teaching Parisians who come into contact with tourists how to offer them a better welcome.
READ () »
Lourdes floods
Lourdes under flood waters in 2012. Photo: Laurent Dard/AFP
The historic Catholic pilgrimage site of Lourdes in south west France was evacuated on Tuesday after flash floods hit the area. Management at the shrine have told The Local they are growing increasingly concerned as waters continue to rise.
READ () »
Opinion - Smacking
Photo: Screengrab/Youtube/Fondation pour l'Enfance
As a provocative new anti-smacking video campaign by the Fondation pour l'Enfance (Foundation for Childhood) causes a stir in France, the man behind the drive Dr. Gilles Lazimi tells The Local why France needs a law banning parents from smacking their kids.
READ () »
.jpg&mode=resize&size=300x200)
Your comments about this article:
The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.