On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in divorce on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.
If you read celebrity news, you may already know that actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Chris Martin recently finalized their divorce. The split initially made headlines for Paltrow’s use of the phrase “consciously uncoupled” in place of “divorce,” and now over two years later, BBC has reported that they are officially and legally uncoupled.
You may not be interested in celebrity relationships or breakups, but there are a few things that we as non-famous people can take away from this particular situation.
- Minimizing drama can help the process along. Divorce has the potential to be a bitter, contentious battle when two people are fighting over complex things like money and parenting rights. This can be especially true for people with significant assets, mobile lifestyles and high-profile personas. Minimizing the drama whenever possible can make it easier to get over the obstacles and stay focused on the end goal.
- But even the most amicable divorces don’t happen overnight. In Paltrow and Martin’s case, it took over two years to finalize the split, and this is one that was famously amicable. While there are ways to speed the process along, the fact is divorce is a legal process that takes time. Be prepared to spend several weeks or months working out the details.
- Divorce doesn’t have to destroy a family. According to reports, Paltrow and Martin have prioritized their children’s needs and still spend a lot of time together as a family. Even when you divorce your spouse, that person is still a parent to your children. If you can stay focused on filling those roles and minimize the conflict and animosity you may have as an ex-wife or ex-husband, your family may find it easier to adjust to the divorce and grow into the new situation, rather than fight it.
Celebrity divorces are not always an accurate representation of divorce and other family legal matters. However, in some respects they can shine a light on situations many people right here in Missouri are experiencing. They can also serve as examples of what you want to do or what you want to avoid in your own situation. And while you may not have a Hollywood career, millions of dollars and international fame, you do have rights and a family that must be protected.