Divorce can be messy, but it does not have to be. Shannon and Chris Neuman look like any normal couple, pressed together in front of their phone’s camera capturing another happy moment in their lives. But this couple is sharing an experience that most would try to forget.
The two stood in front of the Calgary Courts Centre in downtown Calgary moments after filing for divorce. The image of Shannon and Chris’ smiling faces, with the courthouse in the background, quickly went viral after Shannon posted the image on her Facebook page with an inspiring message.
“‘Here’s Chris Neuman and I yesterday after filing for divorce! But we’re smiling?! . . We’re smiling because we have done something extraordinary (we think anyway!) We have respectfully, thoughtfully and honorably ended our marriage in a way that will allow us to go forward as parenting partners for our children, the perfect reason that this always WAS meant to be, so they will never have to choose. They’ll never have to wonder which side of the auditorium to run to after their Christmas concert or spring play, because we’ll be sitting together. They won’t have to struggle with their own wedding planning because we’ll be sitting on the same side of the aisle – THEIR side. We have struggled, but we have succeeded in the plan we came up with together, to come out on the other side as their two parents who live in two houses who give them two teams to love them up two times as much. And now that you know it’s possible – . . . it’s possible to love your kids more than you hate/distrust/dislike your ex . . . ”
Since their post in 2015, the divorce selfie has become a new trend on social media. As parents dealing with the stress of divorce, it is easy to overlook the effects the divorce process can have on the children. When parents choose to work together rather than against each other, the process is much easier, not only for the children and family but on the wallet as well.
There are various options available to divorcing couples that can assist in solving disputes in an amicable manner. Knowing and utilizing these alternatives can make the world of difference for both you and your children.
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