Nine out of 10 couples reconciled and gave up divorce after a local court gave them a cooling-off period in Southwest China's Sichuan province, according to Chinanews.com.

The county people's court of Anyue in Ziyang, Sichuan province, started the cooling-off period system?on March 8 and issued the notice to altogether 10 couples, among which, only one couple eventually decided to go ahead with divorce.

The move aims to avoid impetuous divorce decisions by offering couples a chance of reconsideration and has been praised by residents as a new way of mediation.

"Many impetuous couples decide to get divorce due to minor disagreement, causing huge damage to the children and the elderly. And there is great chance that they will regret after calming down," said Li Yibing, president of the court.

The cooling-off period lasts for three months, during which the couples should stay calm and not file for divorce. The system is legally binding on both parties and shall not be rejected without due causes.

The court may terminate the period once domestic violence, abuse or abandonment is found.

If the couples reconcile or reach an agreement during the period, they may sign an agreement with the court or apply for withdrawal of the divorce filings.