Never boilerplate.
For some things in life, an optimal outcome is best achieved through a result that is unwaveringly consistent. In such matters, it is a tried-and-tested strategy spurring the same conclusion every time that spells a winning formula.
Not with divorce.
As any proven family law attorney will readily note and pass along to clients, a marital dissolution in any given case is flatly unique and driven by factors not replicated in other divorces.
That reality puts an inquiring spotlight on the term “good divorce” that is used by one long-time family law writer.
What does Constance Ahrons mean by that?
Well, for starters, she astutely confines it to instances where divorcing spouses have children and understandably don’t want to destroy family bonds through a combative and scorched-earth process that negatively affects post-divorce ties for all time.
That’s understandable, right? It easily explains why Ahrons stresses the importance of divorcing mothers and father developing a tight “parenting partnership” cemented by civility that enables their kids “to maintain their emotional bonds” and flourish after divorce in new extended families.
Again, though, legions of divorces in New Jersey and nationally feature material facts and disputes that make a “good” divorce something quite different from what Ahrons discusses.
Candidly, some dissolutions are marked by conflict stemming from the hiding of assets, spousal abuse, infidelity and/or other factors not remotely linked with children.
In many of those matters, civility and amicable solutions are hard to come by, with recourse to court and a litigated solution being required to bring about marital closure and a solution to open issues.
In such cases, what involved parties believe to be a good outcome will vary.
We note on our Bridgewater family law website that, ultimately, a good divorce is one that best protects a client’s interests and most favorably resolves all key issues.
We warmly welcome readers’ contacts to our firm.