Two years ago we published a blog article about the decision made by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin to split up, and to do so in a peaceful and friendly manner. Calling it “conscious uncoupling”, the couple who had been married more than 10 years made the effort to create an amicable divorce for the benefit of the family. They had tried for over a year to work out a way for their marriage to continue, but decided that although they still loved each other, it was best they separated from each other.
At the time of the announcement in April 2014, they issued a statement in which they wrote, “We are, however, and always will be a family, and in many ways we are closer than we have ever been. We are parents first and foremost”. Chris and Gwyneth have two children – daughter Apple, turning 12 this month, and son Moses, 9.
One year after the announcement, the divorce became final in April 2015. In a recent interview this year with the Sunday Times, Chris described his relationship with Gwyneth as a “very wonderful separation-divorce”. The couple remain close and still spend holidays together with their children.
According to his Coldplay bandmate, Phil Harvey, Chris suffered from a “really bleak period” following the divorce, but fortunately seems to have worked through it. Both he and Gwyneth have moved on to new relationships, but have been able to maintain an amicable and harmonious family life with their children. Looks like their amicable divorce is still working!
The short-term and long-term benefits of an amicable, peaceful divorce are exemplified in the type of situation Chris and Gwyneth have created. If a separation/divorce is the right decision for a couple, how much better it is to do it with peace and dignity, and hopefully friendship.
Choosing to divorce in a spirit of cooperation, with a focus on what’s going to be best for the children, has proven to be a better option than an adversarial, litigated divorce in every way. It’s quicker, more private, and way less expensive. On an emotional level, it is far less traumatic and easier on the children and the parents. Plus, you have much more control over and flexibility in decisions that will affect your lives for years to come.
Would you like to learn more about this better option? Divorce With Dignity can help! We are a national network of divorce support professionals who can guide you through the divorce process and help you plan and achieve an amicable divorce that is fair to all parties. To find out how we can help you through this difficult time, contact a Divorce With Dignity facilitator near you.
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.
