News that Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry have ended their relationship after nearly a decade together has made headlines around the world. But beyond the celebrity coverage, their approach to separation offers a refreshing and positive example for separating parents, one that puts their child’s wellbeing at the heart of everything.

In a joint statement, the couple confirmed that their “shared priority is, and always will be, raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect.” It’s a mature, child-focused stance that shows how separating parents can choose to work together, even after their romantic relationship ends.

Separating Without Going to Court

Bloom and Perry also shared their intention to continue being “seen together as a family.” For many parents, especially those navigating separation here in the UK, this highlights a valuable point: you don’t have to go to court to sort out arrangements for your children.

There are several ways to reach agreements without the stress, cost and emotional strain of court proceedings:

  • Mediation – A neutral space where parents can talk things through with the help of a trained mediator, working together to agree on child arrangements.
  • Collaborative Law – Each parent has a solicitor trained in collaborative law, and all parties meet to find solutions without going to court.
  • Family Arbitration – A more structured approach where a qualified arbitrator makes a legally binding decision – often quicker and more flexible than court.

While court is sometimes necessary, especially in cases involving domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns, these alternatives often lead to better outcomes for children and help parents move forward more constructively.

When Separation Involves International or Complex Family Set-Ups

As international celebrities, Bloom and Perry likely face challenges many modern families can relate to – juggling different countries, complex finances, and parenting commitments across borders.

If you’re in a similar position – perhaps living or working abroad, or in a relationship where assets span different jurisdictions – legal advice early on can make all the difference. Agreements such as cohabitation agreements or parenting arrangements can help clarify expectations and avoid conflict further down the line.

These agreements can also cover:

  • Where your child lives and goes to school
  • How holidays and international travel will work
  • Financial arrangements if the relationship ends

What About Engagements and Gifts?

Although Bloom and Perry weren’t married, legal questions can still arise after an engagement ends, especially around property or expensive gifts like engagement rings.

Under English law, engagement rings are presumed to be gifts unless stated otherwise. But where one person has made significant financial contributions to a property or shared asset, they may still have a legal interest, even without marriage.

And where children are involved, legal protections and responsibilities remain the same for both married and unmarried parents. The child’s welfare is always the court’s top priority.

A Healthy Co-Parenting Approach

At the heart of Bloom and Perry’s announcement is something we always encourage at Farleys, keeping children front and centre during separation. Their commitment to raising their daughter with love and respect sets a strong example.

By avoiding public conflict and maintaining a co-parenting relationship, they’re helping provide their child with consistency and emotional stability — something every child deserves, regardless of their parents’ circumstances.

How Farleys Can Help

At Farleys, we know every family is different. Whether you’re going through a separation, need advice about cohabitation or parenting arrangements, or are facing more complex cross-border family matters, our expert family law team is here to help.

We’ll work with you to find the right path forward, whether that’s through mediation, collaborative law, or court proceedings where needed, always with a focus on achieving the best outcome for you and your children.

Need support with a family law matter?

Contact our friendly, experienced team today for straightforward advice and a confidential chat about how we can help. Get in touch today to speak with one of our family law specialists on 0845 287 0939, contact us by email, or use the online chat below.