Gwyneth and Chris part company.

Unfortunately, another celebrity couple’s marriage has broken down. Many of us will have read in the Press and seen news on the television that Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin have decided to separate after ten years together.

As with any marital breakup it is sad news for their two children Apple and Moses.   Interestingly the couple said that they had “come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much, we will remain separate”.   The announcement went on to say “we hope that as we consciously uncouple and co-parent, we will be able to continue in the same manner”.    This begs the question, and we are sure that there will be much debate about it, as to the meaning of “consciously uncoupling”.

It may well be possible to interpret what has been said in several different ways.   Apparently the terms used come from an essay entitled “Unconscious Uncoupling” written by Paltrow’s spiritual advisers.  They conclude that the phrase means that although it looks like everything is falling apart as would be the usual inference to be drawn when a couple separate, it’s actually “all coming back together”. 

It has been suggested that the wording supports the view that the couple will try and resolve matters amicably and it may be the case that they will do so through collaborative law or mediation.   

Whichever way you look at it and however much it may infer that the “uncoupling” is not necessarily a bad thing and that it should be interpreted as a positive change in the couple’s relationship, nevertheless, most would interpret this as an unfortunate turn of events and yet another separation in the “celebrity world” where relationships seem to break down with particular regularity.  Commentators will no doubt be keen to observe and report upon whether or not the split turns out to be as amicable as the couple would hope. 

Should you require any advice about your relationship problems and the law that applies to them as well as the different processes which may help your situation, including collaborative law, then please contact Judith Fitzpatrick, RDC Solicitors on 01274 723858 or email her at judith@rdcsolicitors.co.uk.