When Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry announced the end of their nine-year engagement, they did something remarkable. Rather than letting the media speculation run wild, they made it clear that their 4-year-old daughter Daisy Dove would remain their absolute priority.
Through their representatives, they emphasised that their “shared priority is – and always will be – raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect.” This isn’t just good parenting; it’s a masterclass in how modern families can navigate separation without the drama.
Why going to Court isn’t always the answer
It is a common misconception that families think that separation means heading straight to Court. However, Bloom and Perry’s approach highlights something we’ve known for years – there are better ways to resolve family disputes that actually work better for everyone involved, especially the children.
Mediation is often our first recommendation. It’s where both parents sit down with a trained mediator who helps them work through the practical arrangements for their children. It’s faster than Court, costs less, and most importantly, it keeps the focus on what’s best for the children rather than who’s right or wrong.
Collaborative law is another excellent option. Both parents work with specially trained solicitors who are committed to finding solutions without going to Court. Everyone signs an agreement that if the process breaks down, new solicitors have to be instructed – which means everyone has a real incentive to make it work.
Family arbitration offers a private alternative where an experienced arbitrator makes the final decisions. It’s faster than Court and puts you in control.
Unless there are serious safety concerns, avoiding Court proceedings is usually the right choice. Court cases can drag on for months, cost a fortune, and put unnecessary stress on children who just want their parents to get along.
The international dimension
Celebrity couples like Bloom and Perry often have complex international arrangements – different homes, work commitments across countries, and assets in multiple jurisdictions. This is becoming increasingly more common for ordinary families too.
These situations require careful planning and often benefit from cohabitation agreements that set out clear arrangements before problems arise.
When you’re not married
Bloom and Perry were engaged rather than married, which highlights an important point many people miss. Being engaged doesn’t give you the same legal protections as marriage, but it doesn’t mean you have no rights at all.
If you’ve been in a long-term relationship and have contributed to your partner’s property or business, you might have financial claims under trust law. Engagement rings and other significant gifts can also become disputed if the relationship ends.
Most importantly, when children are involved, your marital status doesn’t matter. Both parents have equal parental responsibility, and the Court is focused on what is in the child’s best interest.
Learning from their example
What strikes us most about Bloom and Perry’s approach is their commitment to co-parenting with dignity. They’re still going to be seen together as a family, which shows real maturity and puts Daisy Dove’s needs first.
When parents can work together, children don’t have to choose sides or feel responsible for their parents’ relationship problems.
Getting the right support
Every family situation is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. That’s why we always start by listening to what you actually need rather than assuming we know what’s best.
Our family law team combines legal expertise with a genuine understanding of what families go through during separation. We’re here to help you find solutions that work for your specific situation, whether that’s through mediation, collaborative law, or occasionally, when necessary, Court proceedings.
If you’re facing relationship difficulties or need advice about family arrangements, contact our team today.
How can we help?
Emma Davies is a Partner in our Family Law team, which is ranked in Tier One in the independently researched publication, The Legal 500.
Emma specialises in divorce and financial settlements, which involve complex issues and substantial assets. She also advises on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements, along with private law Children Act disputes. Emma is a qualified collaborative law and Resolution Together practitioner.
If you need further advice on the subjects discussed above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you more information about the services that our family law solicitors can provide, along with details of our hourly rates and fixed fee services.
For more information or advice, please call Emma or another member of our team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.
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