With nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce, separation has become a socially acceptable norm. However, the way in which divorces are handled by the system is fundamentally outdated and in need of massive disruption. Divorce law is set up for confrontation, and the resulting long, court-contested divorce processes are devastating financially and emotionally to the well-being of families.
The response to the current state of chaos in the family legal system has been a shift toward more and more families choosing alternative dispute resolution practices, such as mediation. The way out of chaos is with clarity and action, with positive intention. Mediation at its heart is bringing together parties to focus on their common interests, i.e., preserving their assets and protecting their kids.
Instead of spending time and energy fighting one another, both sides can focus on their role of being great parents. Kids flourish when parents are able to quickly create a new sense of family normalcy post separation.
As architects of their own agreement, parents are empowered to work through a ‘customized-for-their-family’ parenting plan that ensures the family unit continues to thrive post separation.
The Seventh Generation Principle is based on an Iroquois philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. This idea is often used in conversations about energy and resource preservation, but the concept can also be applied to relationships – every decision should result in sustainable relationships seven generations into the future. This starts with putting the best needs of our next generation ahead of our own, and nowhere is this more important than during a separation or a divorce.
Children are happy and thrive when their parents strive to be the best they can be, regardless of circumstance.
Christie Moser, CPA, CA is a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist and the owner of Fairway Divorce Solutions in Airdrie
