Andalucía
Divorces of convenience discovered in Sevilla
By h.b.
Mar 19, 2008 - 8:14 AM

Several family courts in Sevilla say they think that there is a simple explanation for a current wave of divorces taking place across the city, because a similar increase was seen at this time last year.
They say many couples are ‘simulating a divorce or separation’ so that their children can obtain extra points in the school selection process.

Last year at this time the courts saw 387 requests for divorce proceedings, of which ABC newspaper reports that 206 are now thought to have been ‘divorces of convenience’. A 50% increase in the numbers has also been seen this year as the school places are about to be awarded.

Last year the Department of Education in the city received a total of 731 fraud claims regarding school placing. ABC notes however that there is nothing illegal in such behaviour under Spanish law.