A Cambodian couple has simplified the messy legal task of divorce by literally sawing their house in two.

Divorce has become an increasingly convoluted legal process in Cambodia, with couples now required to go through their commune chiefs who often pressure them to stay together. It can also cost a lot of money in informal fees.

Cheach commune chief Vorng Morn said the couple did not separate over anything "big", only the small problem of the husband feeling his wife had not cared for him when he became ill.

"His wife said that if her husband got sick and stayed at home, she was made to pay for his medicine, but if he stayed at his parent's house, she wouldn't have to pay. So they separated," he said.

"We tried to persuade them to think clearly before they did this because they had been married for nearly 40 years," Vorng Morn added. "But they did not listen."

The couple also decided to divide their land into four parts; two for their son and daughter, and two for them.

[PPP]