Ex-Spouses Can be Friends; Collaborative Law Can be the Start
September 14, 2016 by West Coast ADR
When some couples find their marriages are no longer working out, they may make the difficult decision to go their separate ways. And though marriage wasn’t right for these men and women, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are entirely incompatible. Many ex-husbands and ex-wives in British Columbia continue to be friends after divorce, and collaborative law might be just the springboard for this kind of relationship.
Ex-couples that have successfully transitioned into friends often cite certain strategies they employed. Keeping a sense of humour about the situation has proven for many to be a key to avoiding negativity. Forgiveness is also essential for those moving forward in a positive manner. Many have stated that sharing responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage helps them avoid falling into the trap of laying blame.
Those with children find it helpful to focus on what’s best for the kids. Parenting as partners is healthier for all involved than doing it as adversaries. Perhaps most important of all is to choose the life you want to lead after divorce and then see it though. Choosing friendship, or at least cooperation, over dispute and despair may pave the way for a happier life.
A contested and litigated divorce proceeding is probably not the best way to start along this new road of post-marriage partnership. Collaborative law offers couples seeking separation a chance to settle their affairs amicably, without entering a courtroom battlefield. Men and women who have made the decision to divorce, but wish to start their new life on the right foot might wish to consult with a family law group here in British Columbia.
Source: The Huffington Post, “These Exes Became Friendly After Divorce. Here’s How They Did It.“, Carolin Lehmann, Sept. 12, 2016
When some couples find their marriages are no longer working out, they may make the difficult decision to go their separate ways. And though marriage wasn’t right for these men and women, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are entirely incompatible. Many ex-husbands and ex-wives in British Columbia continue to be friends after divorce, and collaborative law might be just the springboard for this kind of relationship.
Ex-couples that have successfully transitioned into friends often cite certain strategies they employed. Keeping a sense of humour about the situation has proven for many to be a key to avoiding negativity. Forgiveness is also essential for those moving forward in a positive manner. Many have stated that sharing responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage helps them avoid falling into the trap of laying blame.
Those with children find it helpful to focus on what’s best for the kids. Parenting as partners is healthier for all involved than doing it as adversaries. Perhaps most important of all is to choose the life you want to lead after divorce and then see it though. Choosing friendship, or at least cooperation, over dispute and despair may pave the way for a happier life.
A contested and litigated divorce proceeding is probably not the best way to start along this new road of post-marriage partnership. Collaborative law offers couples seeking separation a chance to settle their affairs amicably, without entering a courtroom battlefield. Men and women who have made the decision to divorce, but wish to start their new life on the right foot might wish to consult with a family law group here in British Columbia.
Source: The Huffington Post, “These Exes Became Friendly After Divorce. Here’s How They Did It.“, Carolin Lehmann, Sept. 12, 2016