[troutman]

As a divorced parent and former divorce lawyer, I think in many cases it is better for the children if their parents would separate. Growing up in an unhappy home is not providing the children the best experiences. In my parents’ generation divorce was rare, and many people lived through unhappy marriages. Maybe half of children today are raised by separated parents. Children can thrive if their best interests are put first.

Before you can get divorced in Alberta, you must take the Parenting After Separation course. One principle of the best interests of the children, is that they enjoy maximum contact with both parents, consistent with their best interests. Social science supports this concept.

I am fortunate that my ex and I had an amicable divorce, and we are still friends that enjoy together the growth of our two adult sons. Of course it was difficult and there were some rough moments, but the boys are thriving now.

My youngest son thanked me last summer - he is very grateful that he was raised by amicable parents.