EU couples still able to 'shop' for divorce court

Plans by the European Union to prevent divorcing couples from choosing which EU court would legally settle their separation have been blocked by Sweden.

At present, a man or woman whose wife or husband is from a different country who files for divorce can choose which court will handle their case.

It had been feared that some couples may suffer if they have a choice over the court and the planned measures were intended "to stop more favourable court decisions for one [or other] of the spouse[s]", Slovenian justice minister Lavro Sturm told the AFP.

However, Sweden has acted to stop the plans from being finalised, according to EU justice commissioner Franco Frattini.

He added: "Now there is what we call unfortunately this growing phenomenon of foreign shopping. People can choose the applicable law and the judge. This is, frankly speaking, a source of legal uncertainty."

In Sweden divorce is often dealt with fairly quickly, while in other EU countries it can take considerably longer, particularly in those where a period of separation is required.

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