Missouri fans of actress and singer Zooey Deschanel might be interested to learn that her husband, Hollywood producer Jacob Pechenik, recently filed for divorce. Apparently, the pair separated in September.

According to media outlets, Pechenik, age 47, filed the divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court on Oct. 22. He and Deschanel, 39, were married in 2015 and share a 4-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son. The former couple released a joint statement saying they came to the decision that they are “better off as friends, business partners and co-parents” than they are as spouses. They also said that they are still planning to run their two food-related businesses and raise their children together.

On Oct. 21, just one day before Pechenik submitted the divorce paperwork, Deschanel posted a photo of herself and new boyfriend Jonathan Scott, co-star of the reality TV show “Property Brothers,” on Instagram. She is best known for her role on the TV show “New Girl” and as the lead singer of the indie-folk duo She & Him. Pechenik is known for producing films such as “Solace” and “Rock the Kasbah.”

The end of a marriage can be very emotional for those involved, making it difficult to make important decisions. As a result, individuals considering divorce might find it helpful to contact a family law attorney as soon as possible. The attorney may review a client’s personal situation and recommend helpful divorce strategies. As the process moves forward, legal counsel might be able to negotiate favorable agreements on property division, child custody, child support, alimony and other common divorce legal issues. If any agreements require a post-divorce modification, the attorney may petition the court to make the changes.