February 2. Court hearing. It consists of the judge asking both parties a series of questions, to which they respond Yes, I do and No, I haven’t. Apart from that, under the watchful eyes of their lawyers, they are careful not to make any other utterance. The judge concludes by commending the parties for reaching an agreement outside the court, which was undoubtedly hard work, but much better than having a stranger – in this case him – hand down a verdict. With that, the hearing is over, and everyone presses Leave Meeting.

André Spiegel @drmirror