Family law
Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley split – how to move forward amicably
With the news that the celebrity couple are to divorce after 12 years of marriage, our expert Rebecca Cliff looks at how they can keep their separation as amicable as possible for the benefit of their two children
The announcement that high-profile TV presenters Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley are to separate has attracted widespread attention and media coverage, which is to be expected given their status in both the UK and US.
But beneath the headlines about a celebrity separation lies the fact that these people are a mum and dad to two young sons, whose privacy they have always protected. In their statement announcing their intention to divorce, Patrick and Cat spoke of their commitment to “continue to be united as loving parents to our children”.
Speculation surrounding the reasons for their separation has focused on how Patrick no longer felt like an equal partner in the marriage, with him previously being quoted as saying he felt like a “junior shareholder” in the relationship. It has also been said that the couple’s relocation to London from LA – led by Cat’s This Morning job – and ongoing £5million house renovation project has also caused issues.
This suggests tension and that relations may be strained – something which it’s really important to address very early into divorce negotiations, particularly where children are concerned. To move forward amicably, a couple really need to iron out the problems and underlying issues that have clearly been a huge factor in their ultimate decision to go their separate ways.
Mediation is an effective way of doing this. While divorce is often regarded as being acrimonious, it does not need to be that way. Mediation provides an opportunity for couples to be supported in resolving issues from the division of money and assets, through to decisions around child arrangements, in an amicable way. A mediation agreement can then become part of the consent order, which finalises the terms of a divorce.
Amidst the glare of media interest, combined with the fact that children are involved, mediation could be an effective way forward for Patrick and Cat. A mediator could help them move on constructively, resolving conflict and finding a path ahead which will preserve the family relationship as much as possible. No one wants more stress and anguish than is inevitable in divorce, particularly when your separation is of public interest and every twist and turn will probably be reported by the media.
If you need support with mediation after your separation, or with any aspect of divorce, our specialist family lawyers can help. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
