After 13 years of marriage, NFL star quarterback Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bündchen have announced their divorce, which they have both stated was amicable. An amicable divorce is usually unheard of for many marriages, especially with high-profile celebrities. So how did Tom and Gisele manage to separate amicably after over a decade together?

BACKGROUND – What is an amicable divorce?

An amicable divorce refers to a separation process where both parties can reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement without the need for lengthy and expensive legal proceedings. It is a cooperative and non-adversarial approach to ending a marriage. Both parties prioritise their family’s well-being and resolve conflicts through respectful and constructive communication. The main goal of an amicable divorce is to reach a fair and equitable resolution while minimizing the emotional and financial strain on all parties involved.

In October last year, NFL quarterback Tom Brady (also known as the GOAT) and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bündchen took to their social media. They made a joint announcement that they had finalised their divorce from each other. This sent many fans across the globe in shock to hear that they were officially divorced before the news of the breakdown of their marriage was confirmed to the press.  For many high-profile celebrities, keeping their names out of the headlines is often tricky when going through something as personal as a divorce. However, Brady and Bündchen’s amicable approach led them to wrap up 13 years of marriage swiftly and quickly and, most importantly, out of the public eye.

Steps to Take for an Amicable Divorce

Plan For the Worst

Let’s be honest: most people never consider eventually getting a divorce when considering marrying the love of their life. As a result, prenuptial agreements (“prenups”) are often overlooked. However, a prenuptial agreement plays a crucial role in protecting the financial interest of both parties, especially in the event of high net worth or complicated financial situations. The agreements are designed to outline the terms and conditions of the financial arrangement between parties in the event of divorce or death. The agreement can also clarify and reduce conflict in the event of separation, as the terms and conditions have already been agreed upon beforehand. Additionally, they can save time and money by avoiding legal disputes in the future and provide peace of mind by establishing a clear understanding of the financial arrangements before entering a marriage. The agreements are an essential tool for protecting the financial interest of both parties and ensuring a smoother and more straightforward process in the event of a divorce or death. For high-profile celebrities such as Tom Brady, this is a no-brainer. As a result, it enabled a quick and efficient divorce as most of their financial agreements were already made before the marriage.

Mediation  

Mediation is a more private venue than the court system. We recommend this approach to our clients at Ramsden Family Lawyers. We recommend this to save the client precious time and excessive court fees. This allows them to enjoy more meaningful time spent with their family and friends while dealing with the hardship of a divorce. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in family law. It is a confidential and non-adversarial process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, facilitates communication and negotiations. Mediation allows for a more flexible and personalised resolution, as the parties can craft an agreement that meets their specific needs and concerns. Furthermore, it is also faster and less expensive than a court proceeding. It can also be less stressful and emotionally taxing for the parties involved. Mediation can also help maintain or improve a couple’s relationship, particularly when children are involved, as it encourages them to cooperate and collaborate.

When Children Are Involved

In family law matters, couples must put their differences aside and consider what would be best for the children. A parenting agreement or child custody can also be settled in mediation. This allows the parties to work together to determine a parenting plan that is in the children’s best interest rather than having a court impose a decision. Mediation allows the parents to communicate openly and honestly about their priorities and needs to reach a customised decision. Furthermore, mediation can reduce the emotional trauma and stress associated with child custody battles and can help to foster a positive co-parenting relationship between the parties. Mediation for child custody and parenting agreements can help ensure that the children’s well-being remains a top priority in the divorce process.

Ramsden Lawyers – How We Can Assist You With Achieving an Amicable Divorce  

Here at Ramsden Lawyers, our Gold Coast family lawyers, are well versed in handling mediation, child custody, parenting agreements, divorce applications and prenuptial agreements. We strive to go above and beyond for our clients to help them reach a quick and amicable divorce. We also understand that while you may intend to stay amicable when enduring separation it can be difficult at times to reach a mutual agreements that both parties are happy with. This is why it is important to seek professional advice as it can assist with remaining amicable, within reason and withdraw emotions. If you are seeking advice regarding family law or would like to book in for an initial consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us.