An Internet company which specialises in providing a fast and cheap method of divorce is gearing up for its busiest time of year.

Managers running the website www.divorce-online.co.uk, based in Abingdon, say couples' problems are intensified during the Christmas and New Year period.

General manager Mark Keenan said: "Last year we even had applications for our Divorce LegalPac on Boxing Day and we signed up hundreds of new clients in January -- most of them women.

"We expect to take on extra staff this year to cope."

For £80, the website will guide couples through the divorce process, providing all the court application forms and a timetable, helping uncontested divorces go through without a court appearance.

It has just completed its second year in operation and claims to have handled two per cent of divorces -- about 2,800 out of 144,000 carried out between 2000 and 2001.

Mr Keenan also provides a will writing service at www.willyouever.co.uk

Mr Keenan added: "The two services go well together -- people who have just separated or divorced need to write a new will. If they re-marry later, they can amend their will without consulting another solicitor."