Keeping the Ship Afloat

Brad Pitt has spoken out again this week on the breakdown of his marriage, and how the Jolie-Pitt family are coping with the separation. He has said that he and Miss Jolie are at the moment focussed on “keeping the ship afloat” for their six children.

Most of the time, the lives of celebrities seem far removed from our own, but Pitt’s comments highlight that when it comes to the challenging issue of co-parenting post separation, celebrities are no different from the rest of us mere mortals.

As lawyers dealing with relationship breakdown, we are often witness to our clients struggling with exactly these issues. For many separated couples, the truth is that were it not for their children, they would happily avoid each other indefinitely. As Pitt identifies however in speaking about “the new configuration of our family” separated couples and their children are a family.

While very few clients will achieve the amicability of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s conscious uncoupling, many separated couples will be able to resolve issues surrounding the day to day arrangements for their children without the interference of lawyers. There is also a vast spectrum between such cases and “the vitriolic hatred” Pitt describes punctuating the early post-separation days when his and Jolie’s children were the subject of court battles.

It is true that, in the vast majority of cases, agreeing the arrangements for the children amicably and directly (as Pitt and Jolie now seem to be working towards) will be what is in the best interests of the children. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, to protect the children’s best interests, it is necessary to take a stand – a key part of our job is helping clients to recognise the difference. Whatever the circumstances, our focus is always on doing what we can to help keep the ship afloat.

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For More Information Contact:
Philippa Cunniff
Mobile: 07487 800 526
Direct Dial: 0131 285 4792
Email: pcunniff@gilsongray.co.uk

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For More Information Contact:
Sally Nash
Mobile: 07487 802 488
Direct Dial: 0141 285 4793
Email: snash@gilsongray.co.uk

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The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.