Madonna’s Mediation is a Shining Example

Just when it seemed impossible for celebrities to do anything in private, Madonna and Guy Ritchie avoided a potentially bloody and high profile battle by settling their divorce. In this article, Catherine Maxfield, Partner & Matrimonial Solicitor for Eric Robinson Solicitors examines the value of a personal support and amicable resolution.

Whether it was to avoid the media circus that engulfed Paul McCartney’s acrimonious divorce from Heather Mills early last year or Madonna’s desire to protect her personal fortune estimated at £300 million, it is refreshing that personal affairs, even between two such famous people, can be conducted with discretion and maturity.

Ritchie would have been entitled to 50% of his soon to be ex-wife’s fortune, but it was reported that he was more concerned about the custody of their sons, Rocco, eight, and David, three, who the couple adopted from Malawi in 2006. The boys will now be spending time in both the States and UK as both parents intend to live in their native countries.

Though it may be perceived as easier when both parties are millionaires in their own right, divorce is rarely a pleasant experience and to see parental concerns take a higher priority than money, status or assets is a fine example for this high profile couple to set. A decree nisi was said to have been posted 24 hours after the agreement, showing how quick and relatively pain-free an amicable split can be.

Of course, let’s not forget that a quick negotiation and agreement such as this saves a lot of money. Here in the UK, ‘Collaborative Law’ is greatly encouraged. This is where clients can reach a settlement from a series of meetings they attend together with their lawyers. At the outset, all participants sign an agreement that promises to deal with matters amicably and not involve the courts.

The success of Collaborative Law depends on effective communication and understanding. In these recent times of anonymous internet companies and impersonal correspondence, it is the personal interaction that clients most value from real-life lawyers.

This is exactly the kind of dialogue that must have taken place between the Ritchies - apparently he is keeping the country estate, Madonna will take ownership of the US properties and they will sell their London home - and as a Matrimonial Lawyer trained in Collaborative Law, my role is becoming increasingly focused on discussion, mediation and working out obstacles to a divorce through representing my clients in purposeful discussion rather than court.