It was once almost unheard of for ex-spouses to get along during or after a divorce, but more and more divorced, or soon-to-be-divorced, couples are attempting to put aside their differences for the sake of the family and children. Some are purposefully living mere blocks away from each other or continuing to spend holidays and other important occasions together as a family.
While many couples wonder how they will be able to make it work given the difficult and combative nature of most divorces, many are finding that it is not as hard as it first seems. The emotions that come with the end of a marriage often fade and become less intense as time goes on, and the focus tends to be on the children or other family relationships that were developed during the marriage.
This can be more challenging during the holidays because there is more going on, and there are often several different families to visit on either side or traditions to uphold. Many couples who have pushed through the awkwardness to redefine what their families will be like have found they actually can be friends with their ex-spouses. This allows them to maintain a positive, cooperative atmosphere that can make the post-divorce adjustment easier on the kids.
Of course, it is not always possible to create or maintain a friendship with an ex-spouse in every situation, and the health and well-being of all of those involved needs to be kept at the forefront of decision making. For those trying to navigate through a divorce, child custody battle or post-divorce modification, talking with a Georgia family law attorney may provide added perspective and guidance.
Source: USA Today, “Ex-spouses can get along — and not just for the holiday” Sharon Jayson, Dec. 23, 2013
