The recent confirmation that Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry have ended their engagement after nine years together has captured significant media attention. However, what stands out most about their announcement is their clear commitment to prioritising their 4 year-old daughter, Daisy Dove.
Through their representatives, the couple emphasised that their “shared priority is — and always will be — raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect.” This mature approach to separation demonstrates the benefits of putting children first during relationship breakdowns.
Alternative Approaches to Court Proceedings
The couple’s statement that they “will continue to be seen together as a family” highlights an important principle in family law: that separating parents can resolve child arrangements without resorting to court proceedings. In England and Wales, there are several constructive alternatives to litigation that can help families navigate separation whilst minimising disruption to children’s lives.
Mediation: offers a collaborative approach where trained mediators help parents reach agreements about child arrangements in a neutral setting. This process is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than court proceedings.
Collaborative law: involves both parties working with specially trained solicitors to reach agreements through structured negotiations, with everyone committed to avoiding court.
Family arbitration: provides a private alternative where an experienced family arbitrator makes binding decisions about disputes, offering more control over timing and proceedings than traditional court processes.
Unless there are safeguarding concerns or domestic abuse issues that require court intervention, avoiding litigation is generally in everyone’s best interests. Court proceedings can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining for all involved – particularly children. Alternative dispute resolution methods typically result in more flexible arrangements that can adapt to changing family circumstances, while preserving important relationships and reducing conflict.
Learn more about our family mediation services and discover how our collaborative law approach can help your family navigate separation constructively.
International Couples and Complex Arrangements
As an international couple with significant careers spanning multiple jurisdictions, Bloom and Perry’s situation highlights the complexities that many modern families face. Such couples often have assets located in different countries, varying income streams, and complex living arrangements that require careful consideration during separation.
Many international couples, whether married or not, are increasingly entering into cohabitation agreements to clarify their financial arrangements and expectations. These agreements can prove invaluable during separation, providing clarity about asset division and reducing potential disputes. For couples with children, these agreements can also include provisions about international travel, schooling decisions, and residence arrangements.
Return of the Ring
While Bloom and Perry were engaged rather than married, it’s important not to overlook the legal implications of their relationship status. Many people assume that engagement provides no legal protection, but this isn’t entirely accurate.
In certain circumstances, engagement can provide additional property rights. For instance, if one partner has contributed significantly to the other’s property or business during the engagement period, they may have claims under trust law principles. Engaged couples may also have rights regarding gifts made in contemplation of marriage, and engagement rings and other significant gifts can become subject to legal disputes if the relationship ends.
Furthermore, when children are involved, the legal focus shifts to their welfare regardless of their parents’ marital status. Both married and unmarried parents have equal parental responsibility for their children, and the courts’ primary concern is always the child’s best interests.
A Positive Example of Non-Court Resolution
Perry and Bloom’s approach to their separation appears to exemplify best practice in family law. By prioritising Daisy Dove’s needs and committing to co-parenting with “love, stability and mutual respect,” they are demonstrating that relationship breakdowns don’t have to be acrimonious or damaging to children.
Their decision to handle their separation privately, away from court proceedings, while maintaining a united front as parents shows maturity and consideration for their daughter’s wellbeing. This approach is likely to result in more stable arrangements for Daisy Dove and preserve important family relationships despite the change in her parents’ romantic relationship.
Their example serves as a reminder that with the right approach and professional support, families can navigate separation in ways that protect children’s interests while allowing parents to move forward positively.
Expert Support for Your Family
At Slater Heelis, our experienced family law team understands that every family’s situation is unique. We specialise in helping families navigate separation and divorce with dignity, focusing on constructive solutions that prioritise children’s welfare and preserve important relationships wherever possible.
Whether you’re facing relationship breakdown, need advice about cohabitation agreements, or require support with international family law matters, our team has the expertise to guide you through the process. We’re committed to exploring all available options to avoid unnecessary court proceedings while ensuring your rights and your children’s interests are fully protected.
Contact our family law team today to discuss how we can help you achieve a positive outcome for your family during this challenging time.
Get In Touch
Vicki McLynn is a Partner in our Family Law team and specialises in high net worth divorce and children matters.
If you’d like to speak to Vicki or one of our other experienced family lawyers about divorce or separation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 03330 606 026 or filling out our online contact form.
