This year seems to be a record-breaking one for celebrity divorce. Every week that goes by brings us news of another star-studded breakup. Just this summer, we’ve seen the following couples announce their decision to split:
- Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
- Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale
- Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
- Reba McEntire and Narvei Blackstock
- Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin
- Hillary Duff and Mike Comrie
- Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon
Sadly, the list goes on. Aside from understanding that divorce happens, and it happens far more frequently to people we thought “had-it-all-together”, we can learn what works and what doesn’t in the divorce process. Below are the top 5 things that these celebrities have gotten right during their divorce process.
1. They Keep the Kids Out of It.
While it’s never possible to keep kids completely in the dark about divorce, couples can and should do what they can to ensure that they don’t become pawns in the divorce game. Jen and Ben have made it very clear that they intend to continue with the job of co-parenting doing the best that they can for their kids. Star tips for protecting the kids:
- Don’t say mean things about your ex in front of the kids, no matter how angry you are.
- Don’t ask your child to pass messages along to your ex – pick up the phone.
- Do make your child feel loved and secure.
2. Coming Up With an Action Plan.
Having one or more agents managing your life can definitely make this task easier. Notice how celebrities always have a well-scripted press release to break the news of their split. Now, it’s not necessary for you and your spouse to issue a press release, but it would be a good idea to think through the logistics of what divorcing will do to you and your family. Coming up with an action plan in advance can help smooth the transition.
3. Watching What They Say in Social Media.
Social media is not an attorney or a priest. Very few divorcing celebrity couples air their laundry in social media. You should not either. When it comes to speaking your mind, talk to a trusted friend. Write a note and tear it up. Do anything, except post to social media. Not only does it make you look bad, it may also be used against you during the divorce proceedings.
4. Taking Advantage of Well-Thought-Out Prenuptial Agreements.
Yes, prenuptial agreements get a bad rap sometimes. The reality is, prenuptial agreements are a way to protect yourself and your spouse, creating more security and identifying areas that may need additional thought in non-traditional families. Pre-nups have the potential to reduce expenses and headaches later on in the relationship.
5. Enlisting the Help of Family Law attorney
I can guarantee that none of the stars on our list thought it was a good idea to download some forms and do the divorce themselves. Even the simplest divorces can end in disaster or more heartache if one or both parties are not aware of their rights. If you are even thinking that divorce may be in your future, find out what your rights are now, before you make any decisions or announcements. The experienced family law attorney at Beller Law, P.L. can help you understand your rights and plan a path to your future. Call us today at (904) 288-4414.