Putting the Children First in Divorce is not just for Hollywood

Posted on September 21, 2016

When couples with children divorce you don’t have to be a Hollywood A lister to know that the children come first.

Many couples come to our free clinics for advice during the initial stages. They come for advice on that first thought process of what comes next? Who gets what? Who lives where? How much will it cost and most importantly what happens to the children?

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce Monday, citing “irreconcilable differences” and stated that she is seeking physical custody of the couple’s children. She doesn’t want her husband, Brad Pitt, to have joint physical custody, just joint legal custody.

Many people may wonder what this means, in reality it that he would get visitation rights and the children would not reside with him.

According to the court documents, the pair separated on September 15, two years and one month after they married in August 2014.

She is also asking to keep "miscellaneous jewellery and other personal effects" as well as any earnings from after the date of their separation and other separate assets to be determined later.

"This is like so many other divorces that we deal with week in week out, other than the fame of the parties involved," said Pearson’s Family specialist Tracy Crompton

“At Pearsons we are part of a collaborative law approach to divorce, often the best way forward for divorcing families as it is non-confrontational with negotiations done face-to-face rather than through the traditional court route.

“Round table negotiations can save time, money and heartache. It’s divorce as amicable as possible under the circumstances and when children are involved it maintains a good working relationship between parents - the perfect option for a Hollywood couple, or indeed those closer to home,” she added.

To make an appointment in one of our free weekly clinics contact enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.