It seems like Hollywood is always setting the trends. If a celebrity is seen wearing a certain brand, you can be certain that fans will soon copy the look. When a new restaurant opens and celebrities are seen frequenting the establishment, you can bet that it will become a popular new spot. Similarly, when a celebrity couple publicizes their divorce process, the process they used can become the next big thing.
With the hope that it reduces disputes during a divorce, a new trend has emerged thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s recent divorce. The former couple popularized the term “conscious uncoupling” during their publicized divorce process. This term refers to a couple’s intentional “divorcing amicably to benefit the future of their family.”
While this is not necessarily a new concept, this type of “conscious uncoupling” has become common as of recently. More couples avoid the courtroom and instead work with attorneys to agree on child custody, child support, alimony and asset division with the help of a mediator. The mediator works with the couple and their attorneys, going through expectations and requests of both spouses. Those who have used a mediator claim that it encourages communication and collaboration between the two parties.
Couples should still work with an attorney if going through a divorce. There are many different laws that govern divorce issues. For example, in Arizona the laws around property division can be complex and confusing, with terms like community property, quasi-community property and separate property. Having someone who can navigate the law will help an individual going through a divorce pursue the best possible outcome.
Source: New York Post, “Divorcing couples follow Gwyneth’s lead and ‘consciously uncouple’,” Kate Storey, May 27, 2014.