High profile divorces are nothing new with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner sadly being the latest to join the ranks of the divorced after ten years of marriage. Following in the footsteps of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow – famous advocates of conscious uncoupling – they announced their separation, but made it clear they would continue to co-parent for the sake of their three young children.
This new style divorce, where parents continue to work together despite no longer being married, has modernised the way in which the public perceive separation or divorce. Slowly the stereotypes we typically associate with divorce are fading away as more parents are looking for peaceful resolutions, turning to collaborative law and mediation.
Today in the UK more than 42 percent of marriages will result in divorce, peaking between four and six years when couples are most likely to find themselves with young children. The statistics alone make for troubling reading, enough to crudely awake newly weds from their day dreams of marital bliss.
Whilst the prospect of sitting down for a family lunch with a former partner may be one that fills the majority of parents with dread, there are lessons we can take away when it comes to parenting apart.
Separating with a partner on amiable terms is possible. Divorce and conflict do not always go hand in hand, with costly, embroiled battles over which spouse receives the majority of the country estate mostly being confined to media headlines rather than a true representation of the average UK divorce. More and more couples are reaching settlements without the need for court intervention.
Two happy households are better than one hostile home. Often it can be easy to lose perspective during the breakdown of a relationship, particularly on how separation or divorce affects dependent children. Parents serve not only as role models to their children, but also act as pillars of stability during times when a child’s world appears to be turning upside down. Taking the necessary steps to ensure a child has the opportunity to form positive relationships with both parents regardless of whether they are still together is vital in ensuring a healthy emotional development.
The needs of the children should formulate the basis for any negotiation. Collaborative law is especially effective where there are children and encourages both parties to consider the impact of the decisions they make. If required, other specialist family consultants or trained professionals can be introduced into the process to assist.
Here at Farleys Solicitors our specialist family law team, including several collaborative practitioners, have a wealth of experience in this area of law. To speak to a dedicated member of our team please don’t hesitate to call 0845 050 1958. Alternatively please complete an online enquiry form.