Is it possible to stay friends with an ex?

Divorce and family law attorney discusses platonic relationships after the spark burns out

Media Contact: Mary Linton, Woll & Woll, 248.354.6070, [email protected]

Southfield, Mich. – Feb. 4, 2014 – – He or she was once your sweetheart, but that bond has been legally broken through divorce. Still, is it possible to stay friends with your ex? Jessica Woll, managing partner of Woll & Woll, P.C., a Michigan-based divorce and family law practice with particular expertise in complex family law issues, says it depends on the couple and if children are involved.

“When there are no children from the marriage, former married couples sometimes remain friends, but usually go their separate ways, often not seeing each other again or letting years pass,” said Woll. “However, it’s a different story with children involved.”

When ex-spouses are co-parents, they remain in contact with each other to discuss coordinating the time the children spend with each parent. The ex-spouses also encounter each other at school functions, sporting events and combined family events such as birthday parties.

“We have all heard the stories of how nasty ex-spouses can be towards each other, especially when children are involved,” said Woll. “However, there are also ex-couples that find a way to co-parent and remain friends.”

How do these couples remain friendly even after the heartbreak of divorce?

Woll says it has to do first and foremost with putting the children first and realizing it is easier for all parties involved to be nice.

“When couples have a mutual understanding and respect for each other about parenting styles, it makes it easier for them to co-parent,” said Woll. “Just because a husband and wife can no longer make their marriage work does not mean they are bad parents. The sooner ex-spouses can come to terms with this, the more likely they will be able to remain friends after a divorce.”

In addition, Woll says while ex-spouses may no longer have romantic feelings for one another, they can still have a platonic relationship.

“A relationship is more than just a romantic bond, it also includes a friendship and shared interests,” said Woll. “Just because a couple divorces does not mean these common interests dissolve.”

Woll says many couples meet through shared interests; running clubs, books clubs, cooking classes, etc. so these commonalities are helpful in trying to remain friendly even after divorce. Also, if the couple has been taking family vacations with the children to go skiing every winter or to the lake every summer, those are good traditions to continue to remain amicable over.

“People often have the misconception that just because a couple gets a divorce, everything must be split and changed – including traditions such as family vacations,” said Woll. “However, going on family vacations doesn’t have to stop with divorce. As individuals, each ex-spouse still enjoys skiing, so why should a divorce stop them from doing something they love? Also, this means the children can still have stability and tradition in their life after the divorce.”

To learn more about Woll & Woll, P.C., visit www.wollandwollpc.com.

About Woll & Woll, P.C.

Woll & Woll, P.C. specializes in divorce and family law, including legal separation, post-judgment of divorce matters, removal of domicile actions, stepparent adoption, custody, child support, paternity and other family issues. Learn more here.