Yes, divorce can be friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even with mutual respect, separating is emotional. The key is to aim for civility and dignity, especially if kids, business ties, or ongoing connections are involved. Choosing a respectful process like Mediation or Collaborative Divorce can help you reach fair, thoughtful outcomes without unnecessary conflict.
As a family lawyer, I have seen many divorces that were surprisingly friendly. In fact, sometimes I find myself quietly wondering, “Could these two just work it out and stay together?” I’ve worked with couples who say, “We’re best friends, but we just can’t be married,” or “We still run a business together and get along great.” Some even remain good friends long after the divorce is final.
But a friendly divorce does not always mean easy. Even when there is still mutual respect, ending a marriage is emotional. The goal is not always to stay best friends but rather to separate in a way that is civil, respectful, and leaves both people with their dignity intact.
If you don’t share children, a business, or mutual friends, a clean break may be possible. But for most people, there is still some connection that remains. And if staying friendly is not possible, then aim for civility. You will thank yourself later.
When you look back on this chapter of your life, you will want to feel proud of how you handled it. Your friends, your family, and especially your kids, will take note of how you showed up during a tough time. That kind of strength is worth striving for.
The Divorce Process You Choose Matters
If you want a respectful divorce, choose a respectful process.
Mediation and Collaborative Divorce both offer more peaceful, interest-based approaches to separation. Instead of battling in court, you and your spouse work together with the help of professionals to understand what matters most to each of you and find solutions that work for both sides.
That is a lot easier to do when you are not in a hostile environment. Litigation tends to make people defensive. Mediation and Collaboration, on the other hand, create space for honest conversations and thoughtful decisions.
Even if you are not on the friendliest terms, these processes make it more likely that you will be heard and that you will walk away without burning bridges.
Marla S. Miller is a senior family lawyer with Miller Boileau Family Law Group in Edmonton, Alberta. With decades of experience, Marla focuses on helping clients navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and a long-term mindset. She is a leading advocate for Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, supporting clients through conflict with compassion and calm.
If you’re considering divorce and want a respectful way forward, call Marla Miller today at 780-482-2888.
Early in her legal practice, influenced by her late uncle who was a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, Marla Miller, K.C. became a Family Law Mediator. She has been helping families through mediation for over 30 years. In 2001 she, along with Pierre Boileau, K.C. and others, was one of the founding members of the Association of Collaborative Professionals (Edmonton). She has been an active volunteer with that Association ever since.
One of the first Family and Divorce Lawyers in Edmonton to make a commitment to give up litigation as an option, Marla remains passionate about helping her clients settle outside of court by finding agreements that meet their needs and interests. As both a Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer and a Registered Family Mediator, Marla is one of the most experienced family Mediators in Edmonton.