Takeaways from Gates Divorce
This week the news broke that Bill and Melinda Gates are getting divorced. What can you learn from the Gates divorce? While their divorce may feel very different from your divorce there are definitely some key points that everyone divorcing can remember, consider and apply in their divorce. I propose there are a few things you can takeaway from the Gates divorce.
I’ve read several sources and a copy of the petition that was filed for divorce in their case. The start of a divorce can be filled with emotions, and definitely filled with a sense of the unknown. Here are a few of the notable tips I get from the Gates divorce that you can apply in your divorce.
Texas Divorce Statutes and Rules Have Requirements
In Texas, when the Original Petition for Divorce is filed, the Texas Family Code, Denton County Local Rules require certain elements to be contained or attached to the Petition. There are several sections that spouses find curious and even sometimes offensive. In the Gates divorce, the petition asking the court to grant their divorce contains the language that is required by the Revised Code of Washington that applies to divorces. The contents are defined and required by the statutes that apply to their case. Their petition includes basic information and required information such as their names, date of marriage, whether spousal support is requested, is there a need for a protective order, and if fees are being requested.
Why is this important? It’s important because often at the beginning of divorce, emotions are high. And, as emotions flare it can cause divorcing people to shift their focus from the legal untangling of lives to searching for emotional justice which can negatively affect the pending divorce timeline, issues and costs. Texas divorcing spouses have to include certain information in the Original Petition for Divorce and other divorce pleadings. In Denton County, for example, the Denton County Standing Orders have to be attached to the first divorce filings.
You Can Agree Outside of Court
Another good takeaway is that you can tailor your final divorce order, Decree of Divorce, or make agreements for temporary orders without appearing in court. You have that choice. Divorce is the legal process of untangling your lives. And, you can choose the process for that.
It appears Melinda and Bill Gates have reached already reached an agreement about certain elements of their divorce. Their petition states they have a separation agreement. While it’s unknown to us what it is in the Gates’ separation agreement, it is known that they’ve already begun the process without involving the court or asking the court to make the decisions about their lives.
The Gates could spend extraordinarily huge amounts of money fighting over their estate, but they’ve decided to go with a separation agreement. They have accumulated wealth, and would rather divide it between themselves and their family and keep it than spend it on divorce attorneys, divorce litigation and other divorce costs. This is good to remember in a Texas divorce when decisions are being made about what steps to take next, and what strategy to employ in divorce. You have the choice to reach agreements outside of the courtroom by using mediation, settlement offers, settlement meetings, and other methods of negotiation in divorce.
Put the Kids First
Put your children first in divorce. Don’t put them in the middle of conflict between you and your co-parent. One of the first things the Gates coordinated Twitter statement said was that they raised three “incredible” kids. Their children are in their teens and young adults, and they put their children first despite their broken marriage. When you read their statements (which are identical), neither one said anything negative about the other. In any marriage, especially one with public figures, private lives should remain private. Whatever has broken the marriage relationship and the private details, don’t need to be discussed with the media. If you don’t have the media knocking on your door apply that to details in social media, or to your children. It doesn’t hurt to have a divorce where no one knows the terms of your divorce except you and your ex and knowing that you can live with it.
And, while the Gates have maintained their privacy, they have kept their kids from being in the middle of what would surely be and may become an even heavier media blitz.
The Gates divorce may feel as far from you as west Texas, but there are great takeaways from these first steps they are taking on their divorce journey. A Texas divorce will have different elements, but it can have similar good points as well. If you are interested in a divorce that doesn’t involve traditional litigation, and allows you to maintain privacy, call Lewisville divorce attorney, Jill O’Connell to set up an appointment today at 972-203-6644 or 940-497-5454.