Drew Barrymore Faces Third Divorce
In 2012, celeb-since-childhood Drew Barrymore got married to fellow actor Will Kopelman. She’s only had two husbands prior to Will, which is probably some sort of record for a celebrity, and this arrangement lasted the longest by far — she got married for a few weeks to a Welsh bar owner in the 90’s, then again for a few months to a comedian in 2001. So, I’m guessing that those divorces felt a lot like break-ups, in which case, this is Drew Barrymore’s first real divorce! Hooray! Another celebrity record?
Either way, the actress seems to be approaching the divorce process gracefully, and has made it clear that both she and her husband are working together to ensure that they reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
Amicable is Awesome
Let’s also give a round of applause to Drew and Will for opting to resolve their separation amicably! According to reports, the couple seems happier than ever, in spite of the circumstances. That’s a good thing, because not only are uncontested divorces much more efficient than contested divorces, they’re also the best way to establish a solid base for separated parenting.
Yes, if you weren’t aware, Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman are indeed parents. They have two children: Olive, who is three years old, and Frankie, who’s just 23 months. Understandably, Olive and Frankie are who Drew and Will are really worried about, according to the joint statement they released last Friday:
“Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family. Divorce might make one feel like a failure, but eventually you start to find grace in the idea that life goes on. […] Our children are our universe, and we look forward to living the rest of our lives with them as the first priority.”
And that’s a good way to look at things, especially considering how the court is going to be sharing that same sentiment. In any divorce, regardless of the situation, the children always come first.
But What About Custody?
Well, it sounds like custody isn’t going to be a contentious issue, unless the designation of Olive and Frankies’ primary residential parent gets messy somehow. In amicable divorces involving children, custody and child support are determined the same way as everything else: amicably.
The main thing that needs to be “figured out,” as I just mentioned, is who gets to be the primary caregiver. But since there’s no beef between the parents and they both seem to want the other to be involved in raising Olive and Frankie, it seems like “primary residential parent” is a label mostly relevant to paperwork.
I’m not saying I know this divorce will continue to go smoothly — that’s just my guess, based on the public statement as well as the nature of uncontested divorces. Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman will still have to draft a permanent parenting plan, which is where they’ll calculate child support and figure out who’s the primary residential parent (even if that last part’s just for the record).
The Road to an Amicable Split
It’s all well and good to say, “the most efficient divorces are those resolved amicably,” but it’s hard to acknowledge the truth in that advice when your relationship with your ex-to-be isn’t amicable at all.
Tense starts usually result in tense finishes, and “tension” in the world of divorce translates roughly to “contested.” Tension is what turns negotiation into litigation. And although it’s sometimes necessary to settle contentious issues in the courtroom, it’s also much more time-consuming, expensive, and does not do much to make circumstances more amicable. When kids are on the line, it’s crucial that tension is avoided as much as possible, so that when the divorce is finalized, they haven’t been forced to take the side of one parent over the other.
At Turner Law Offices, P.C., our team of attorneys has years of experience working with clients across a wide range of divorce cases involving child custody and support. One piece of advice we can certainly offer to anyone considering divorce: do not do it without a lawyer, unless you’re okay with screwing yourself over. Legal representation is crucial when navigating the divorce process, because so much is at stake — assets, property, and of course, family.
Call today, or go online to set up your free initial consultation. A skilled attorney is ready and waiting to guide you toward the justice you deserve.
