Wednesday, October 13, 2010

"We Remain Best Friends"



A few days ago, Courteney Cox and David Arquette announced that they would be undergoing a trial separation, and they have been quoted as saying all the right things: “We remain best friends and responsible parents to our daughter and we still love each other deeply.”

This sentiment is precisely what we hope to hear from any couple considering divorce — they continue to care about each other despite the circumstances.

The hard part is what comes next, should they proceed with a divorce. They have to put it all on paper — who gets what, and who gets time with their daughter and when. If they can avoid the typical power struggles, then their daughter wins. And if she wins, then everyone wins.

When it comes to an amicable divorce, the devil is in the details. Neither party is going to get exactly what he or she wants, and bickering over small battles only prolongs the larger war. The couple should understand that there is far more at stake than just the spoils.

Let’s hope that Cox and Arquette can show us how to do this well, and can be an example for other divorcing couples through their friendship, and especially their love for their daughter. Their intentions are good. Now they just need to follow through.

1 comment:

  1. Power struggles are inevitable in almost any divorce, as couples struggle to be the one who "comes out on top". Divorce = messy, and I challenge anyone who says that their divorce was "easy" unless they have no children and a pre-nuptual agreement! The real struggle is preventing the children from being drawn into these power struggles. I wish Courtney and David the best of luck, and pray that they maintain the insight to manage their divorce in an "adult" and mature way, while putting the emotional and psychological wellbeing of their daughter first!

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