5 years ago... Web to end marital disputes

26.07.99: Hot weather and school holidays might do little for domestic harmony but fighting couples can now turn to the web for help.

Desktop Lawyer offers an online divorce for as little as £79.99. Going to a real lawyer could set you, or your partner, back £400.

26.07.04: The role of the internet and new technologies in marital disputes has been significant in recent years.

Most notable has been the part email has played in breaking up couples, whether married or not and running a number of relationships onto the rocks. silicon.com has run several popular features about digital blunders - many of which involved email and text message gaffes that caused more than a little friction in relationships.

Similarly, internet chat rooms have given rise to their fair share of scandal - perhaps most notably this classic from the archives, which saw the name of Brian Tindle added to those of Claire Swire and Trevor Luxton in the internet hall of shame.

In extreme cases some husbands have even begun to divorce their wives via text message, and yet all this doesn't stop millions of people turning to the internet in search of love - though it's been suggested some are more interested in publicity than matrimony.