Britain's first divorce fair

Britain's first divorce fair is being held in Brighton later this year.

The event, being held at Brighton Racecourse on 11 October, has been organised to help people access professional support. Titled 'The Starting Over Show', the event will help anyone going through or contemplating a divorce or civil partnership break-up. Advice and support will be available from a range of qualified experts including financial mediators, specialist solicitors, property experts, fitness trainers and personal development coaches.

Over 140,000 UK couples divorce each year, with south coast towns suffering from some of the UK's highest divorce rates, making Brighton a fitting setting for such an event.

As well as receiving advice from the experts on hand, attendees will also be able to hear talks from motivational speakers. It is also hoped that the event will act as a support network for those attending, giving many people the chance to meet others who are in a similar position.

The Starting Over Show is being set up by entrepreneur Suzy Miller who came up with the idea of putting on the show after talking with friends about similar events which have taken place in Austria and Holland. Around 500 people and 20 exhibitors attended the first ever divorce fair at the Vienna Marriott Hotel in October 2007.

Miss Miller, 44, said: As well as having to deal with all the emotions of separating, people have to contend with getting legal advice, dividing assets, selling a shared house and often the custody of children. If that wasn't bad enough, this can be the first time people have ever had to do some of these things on their own and many worry they are going to get a raw deal.

"The Starting Over Show is being organised so that people having to deal with these problems can get professional advice to build the skills and confidence they need to go it alone," she said.

The show is expected to attract up to 1,500 attendees and up to 90 exhibitors.

For more information, including information about becoming an exhibitor, visit www.startingovershow.co.uk.