But it seems this is no longer the case.

Pop into your local greetings card shop and if you search hard enough, you'll no doubt find a 'congratulations on your divorce' card.

Some people are even throwing divorce parties to mark this new phase of their lives, complete with congratulations banners and cake.

Now High Street department store Debenhams is launching a divorce gift list, similar to a wedding list, which a divorcee's friends can buy items from to help them stock up on essential items after leaving the
marital home.

Gift lists could include everything from bedding to a toaster.

The company says the idea was inspired by celebrity divorcees such as Katie Price and Heather Mills, who celebrated the end of their marriages with parties and presents.

Ruth Attridge, of Debenhams, said: "We are not encouraging people to get divorced, but unfortunately it is a fact of life.

"Some people may have got married or started living together as soon as they left their parents' home. So if they split up they may be facing the prospect of living alone for the first time in their lives.

"Divorce is an expensive business, especially the legal fees, and how many people have two toasters, two kettles, two computers etc?

"So an individual, or even a couple if they want to do it together, can come in and have an interview with a specialist adviser lasting about two hours. Cards are available so people will know the list is held at Debenhams. A divorce gift list can include giftcards as well as charitable donations.

"I am sure some people won't be happy but we are neither pro nor anti divorce. We do an anniversary and birthday gift list, so we thought why not do one for divorce?

"Some customers who use our wedding gift list service are on their second or third marriages."

But Jennie Clarke, of Raunds, said: "I don't think divorce is anything to celebrate. I suppose it depends on the circumstances of your divorce and whether you were the party that wanted the split or not, but I would not say the end of a marriage, whatever the situation, is a cause for celebration.

"There might be people out there who think this is a great idea but I don't think any of my friends who have been divorced would use this facility. If a friend of yours is starting out on their own again after a split, buy them a house warming present. But a divorce gift list is quite tasteless. Are they going to start making 'sorry you failed your exams' cards next or a gift list for widows? I think this is just another way to make money."

Last year saw the first-ever divorce fair called the Starting Over Show, where exhibitors from financial advisers to counsellors were on hand to give advice to divorcees.

It was such a success, two more divorce fairs will be held in March.
Suzy Miller, creator of the Starting Over Show, said: "My partner ended our 10-year relationship in 2003. A relationship break-up can be the perfect time to make positive changes, whether that's starting up the business you always dreamed of, getting your pension sorted, or losing weight and taking more care of your health."

"The show will give people access to all the resources that can help them to really start over, all under one roof."