It used to be that whenever we heard about people getting a divorce, whether they were celebrities or people we knew, we almost always heard about the bitter struggles, the antagonistic court battles, and the vitriolic comments they made about each other. Thank goodness times have changed! While we still do hear about negative and hostile divorces, those are countered by many divorces now being done with peace and civility, also known as “divorce with dignity”.
As a case in point, just a few months ago Courtney Cox and David Arquette finalized their divorce, ending their marriage of almost 14 years. In spite of what they called “irreconcilable differences” that caused them to separate in 2010, they continue to make positive, loving comments about each other. In January of this year, Courtney stated on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, “He’s my best friend in the world…I love him.” It seems David feels the same way about her. “She’s incredible,” he was quoted as saying at a gala in Los Angeles the following week. “I love her, too, and she’s an amazing person, a beautiful person.”
How do they stay positive and amicable despite the divorce? David gives credit to their commitment to treat each other with respect. “We’re honest with each other. We’re respectful, and that’s what it comes down to.” As part of their cooperative divorce agreement, they are seeking joint custody of their 8-year-old daughter, Coco.
Amicable and peaceful divorce can be achieved when the two parties agree to work together to come to an agreement that is fair to everyone in the family instead of fighting it out in the courtroom. It takes putting aside the squabbles and the negative emotions, and concentrating on what is in the best interest of each person, particularly any children. The result is less stress, less mess, and the preservation of one’s self-respect. Thank goodness for the option of divorce with dignity!
This is the reason I established the first Divorce With Dignity (www.dwdignity.com) office nearly twenty years ago. Having been through a difficult divorce myself, I wanted to give people going through divorce an alternative to hostile court litigation and the distressful effects it causes both during and after the divorce. I am pleased that I have been able to help thousands of people obtain an amicable divorce, saving them additional stress and thousands of dollars by avoiding litigation.
In order to give more people the opportunity to achieve a peaceful divorce, I started the Divorce With Dignity Network, a national network of divorce support professionals including attorneys, paralegals, legal document assistants, and mediators. Our goals are to provide a safe place for you to talk about your situation, help you understand the divorce process, and assist you with the necessary legal documents. Since we take a holistic approach to divorce, we are also ready to refer you to additional support services to help you transition through this difficult process as smoothly as possible.
I know that if a divorcing couple is willing to commit to working cooperatively to negotiate a divorce agreement that is fair and beneficial to everyone involved, they can mitigate many of the negative effects of divorce. It’s easier on them, easier on their children, and will save them a lot of time and money. Isn’t that worth the effort?
If you and your spouse have decided that your marriage is no longer viable, and are willing to work cooperatively to get through the divorce process as simply and as quickly as possible, we invite you to talk with us about how we can help. To find a Divorce With Dignity affiliate near you, visit our website at findaprovider.dwdignity.com. Let us guide you through the divorce process – with peace and dignity.
The author of this blog is not an attorney and the information contained in these blogs should not be considered legal advice. The information provided here is based on the experience of the author and some of her clients whose actual names are not mentioned. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of an attorney if you have any legal questions.
