Often when confronted with divorce, people fear the ugly divorces popularized by Hollywood films like the 1989 box-office hit The War of the Roses. In that film, Danny DeVito, Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas give us a front-row seat to the worst of the divorce process and show an epic battle where spouses battle to “win” their divorce at all costs. That film has become popular shorthand reference for today’s most bitter divorce battles.
But now, many in Hollywood are showing a much better picture.
A recent Divorce Magazine article highlighted the Top 20 Amicable Celebrity Divorces, and recognized a growing trend among celebrities to skip the war. Some celebrities are succeeding with friendly splits, which is no small accomplishment in under the ever-present glare of the spotlight and all access tabloid coverage.
You might be interested to know that the winners of Divorce Magazine’s Top 20 are Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. These Hollywood A-listers went their separate ways in 2000; but, somehow in the ensuing years, they managed to create harmony and even vacation together with their children and new spouses. The celebrity pages and social media document their family travels. While we can be certain that their divorce days were not conflict-free, they have been keeping things amicable.
The Moore-Willis example is an optimistic one. But these two Hollywood stars are not alone. Celebrity once-couples with friendly divorces include Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Recall Gwyenth’s famous “conscious uncoupling,” and since their 2015 divorce they have been cooperatively co-parenting their young son.
Courteney Cox & David Arquette take the number three spot, followed by Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson in fourth place, next and Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora are in fifth. Powerhouse exes Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons take number 6 and are recognized for their famously good post-divorce relationship, with Russell being the godfather to Kimora’s son with her new husband.
The Top 20 List also includes:
- Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony
- Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon
- Reese Witherspoon & Ryan Phillippe
- Angelina Jolie & Billy Bob Thorton
- Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner
- Peter Facinelli & Jennie Garth
- Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas
- Caitlyn & Kris Jenner
- Miranda Kerr & Orlando Bloom
- Hilary Duff & Mike Comrie
- Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green
- Heidi Klum & Seal
- Kate Hudson & Chris Robinson
- Howard Stern & Alison Berns
With statistics predicting that some 50% of children in America will be children of divorce, how people conduct themselves during and after divorce is something that the kids will notice and something that really matters for your family.
If you are considering divorce, consult with an experienced family law lawyer in New Hampshire who can advise you about your rights. Our New Hampshire attorneys can help you understand your legal options. Our experienced lawyers can help navigate the divorce process, and show clients how to best avoid that ugly War of the Roses divorce. For a free and confidential telephone consultation, call us today at (603) 624-3700.