Celebrity Couples are Becoming Role Models for Amicable Divorces

What looks like just another celebrity breakup might actually be instructive for any divorcing couple.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are going the way of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin in choosing a non-adversarial way to divorce while living in the public eye.

During her divorce, Paltrow made headlines for describing the process as “conscious uncoupling.” Many attorneys, including myself, appreciated the spotlight she had shone on non-adversarial divorce.

Various magazines, including Us Weekly, have reported that Ben and Jen’s settlement features a creative custody agreement for their 3 children which will include each parent living in separate residences on the family’s estate. The goal being to provide as little disruption to the children’s lives as possible and help them feel secure and loved.

Families who aren’t quite as wealthy may not have this exact option, but parents can achieve the same result by living in separate apartments in the same building or even within short walking distance from each other.

Another option for parents who are committed to providing as much continuity for their children as possible is nesting.

Nesting is an arrangement where the children stay in the marital home, and the parents move in and out on a regular basis.

Nesting arrangements typically involve a week-on, week-off schedule. This arrangement is never easy on the parents, and it is rarely a long-term solution, but couples choose this option when they are willing to put their own needs for stability second to their children’s. These parents may stay with friends or family during the weeks that they’re not with the children or rent small apartments nearby. Our next blog article will focus even more on the intricacies of nesting.

Helping couples divorce without destroying their families is what my firm does – and why I was happy to see another high-profile couple showing others how to find creative, forward-thinking solutions and eliminating the risk of having a judge make decisions for their family. If you would like to discuss creative resolutions that work for your family, contact us to get started!

Vacca Family Law Group

60 E 42nd St #700
New York, NY 10165
avacca@vaccalaw.com