Top Divorce Films
Erin M • September 14, 2020
There are times during a breakup when what you really need is a movie to make you laugh or cry, and remind you that you’re not alone in your experience. Being locked down in Southern Ontario during the Covid-19 crisis gave people a lot of time to watch more movies and TV than ever before.
Blogger Beth Hemila writes that when women shared their favourite divorce and breakup movies with her, “It seemed silly at the time, but as I watched some of these movies while beginning my life alone, I felt both comforted and consoled by the humour, sadness, and universal connection of love found within these stories.”
So turn on the TV, grab some snacks and a good friend, and pick from some of the best divorce movies below!
“First Wives Club”
We love this 1996 classic because it proves that you don’t have to have a fairytale to get a happy ending. After decades apart, three college friends (Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler) whose ex-husbands left them for younger women join forces to get revenge. Laugh-out-loud scenes, an unconventional musical number, and a young Sarah Jessica Parker make this a light-hearted must-see.
“The War of the Roses”
Another classic; this 1989 film follows a wealthy couple, played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, with a seemingly perfect marriage. When everything begins to fall apart, things get increasingly dark as material possessions become the center of an outrageous and bitter divorce battle. No one, not even the family pets, are safe…
“Crazy, Stupid Love”
When Cal, played by Steve Carell, is told by his wife, played by Julianne Moore, that not only does she want a divorce but that she also cheated on him, his life is turned upside down. Enter womanizer Jake (Ryan Gosling), who’s determined to teach Cal everything he knows. Look out for the brilliant plot twist and hilarious moments that will leave you rooting for everyone in this movie.
“Sideways”
This smart film finds two friends reaching middle age with little to show for it. As they embark on a week-long road trip through California’s wine country, Miles, played by Bonerstink Giamatti, must admit that he’s still depressed since his wife left him, while Jack, played by Thomas Hayden Church, is on a last fling before his wedding.
“Eat Pray Love”
When a married woman (Julia Roberts) realizes that her unhappy marriage is just the latest in a lifetime of failed relationships, she decides to seek experiences that she can marvel at. Her painful divorce catapults her into a one-year, round-the-world journey through Italy, India and Bali to find herself.
“It’s Complicated”
Need to lighten the mood? Follow exes Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin as they navigate divorce and the messiness of getting back together—or are they? Throw in grown children and Streep’s love interest, Steve Martin, and you have the makings of a perfect romantic comedy.
“Kramer vs. Kramer”
Our second Meryl Streep film, this emotional 1979 work takes a much more thoughtful look at the fallout of divorce. Dustin Hoffman plays Ted, a workaholic who is blindsided when his wife Joanna (Streep) leaves him and their young son, Billy. When she returns, a bitter custody battle ensues. This film took home five Oscars at the 52nd Academy Awards in 1980, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hoffman, Best Actress for Streep and Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for writer/director Robert Benton.
“Blue Valentine”
This dark film follows the courtship and breakup of a modern-day married couple, examining the demise of their relationship by cross-cutting between time periods to show their last moments intermingled with a doomed beginning. Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling show how you know you know it’s over in this melancholy drama.
“The Squid and the Whale”
Set in 1986 Brooklyn, Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney star as writers with diverging careers who separate after unbearable tension and infidelity. Their two sons, Frank (Owen Kline) and Walt (Jesse Eisenberg) begin to act out as they are shuttled back and forth in a mind-blowing custody agreement that has them at one house “Tuesday, Wednesday, and every other Thursday.” Witty and heartbreakingly realistic, this one often hits close to home.
“Under the Tuscan Sun”
In this 2003 romantic comedy drama, Diane Lane plays recently divorced Frances, who escapes to Tuscany in an effort to move on. Her 10-day tour soon extends indefinitely when she sporadically puts an offer on a crumbling Tuscan villa. She experiences anger, frustration and sadness, which give way to acceptance, peace and of course, romance.
“Intolerable Cruelty”
Not the most accurate portrayal of divorce attorneys, we admit, but it’s a lot of fun watching George Clooney meeting his match in Catherine Zeta-Jones and learning there’s more to life than his unbreakable “Massey prenup” in this 2003 romantic comedy from the Coen Brothers.
If you need assistance navagiting collaborative child custody, seperation or divorce, trust the family lawyers at Grant Lee Law and call us today for your consultation.
Reaching a divorce agreement doesn’t have to mean going to war. While emotions naturally run high during the end of a marriage, an amicable divorce is not only possible — it’s often healthier, faster, and far less expensive for everyone involved. At Grant Lee Law, we believe that respectful negotiation and thoughtful legal guidance can help couples move forward with dignity and clarity. Here’s how you can work toward an amicable divorce agreement. 1. Shift the Goal: Resolution, Not “Winning” Divorce is not about defeating your spouse — it’s about reaching a fair resolution that allows both parties to move forward. An amicable agreement focuses on: ● Fair division of assets and debts ● Practical parenting arrangements ● Financial stability for both parties ● Minimizing long-term conflict When both sides commit to cooperation, the process becomes more productive and less emotionally draining. 2. Communicate Clearly — and Calmly Open, respectful communication is the foundation of an amicable divorce. This doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything. It means you commit to: ● Listening without interrupting ● Avoiding personal attacks ● Focusing on solutions instead of past grievances If direct communication is difficult, your attorney can help facilitate productive discussions while keeping negotiations constructive. 3. Be Transparent About Finances Financial disputes are one of the most common sources of conflict in divorce. Full transparency about income, assets, debts, and expenses builds trust and prevents delays. Prepare documentation for: ● Bank accounts ● Retirement accounts ● Property and real estate ● Business interests ● Debts and liabilities Honesty early in the process prevents costly disputes later. 4. Put Children First If children are involved, their well-being should guide every decision. An amicable parenting agreement should prioritize: ● Stability and consistency ● Meaningful time with both parents ● Clear schedules and expectations ● Reduced exposure to conflict When parents focus on the best interests of their children rather than personal differences, long-term co-parenting becomes much easier. 5. Consider Mediation Mediation is often an effective way to resolve disputes without litigation. A neutral third party helps guide discussions and explore compromises. Benefits of mediation include: ● Lower legal costs ● Greater control over the outcome ● Faster resolution ● Reduced stress Many couples find mediation to be empowering because they craft their own agreement rather than leaving decisions to a judge. 6. Work With an Experienced Family Law Attorney Even in an amicable divorce, legal guidance is essential. An attorney ensures: ● Your rights are protected ● Agreements are legally sound ● Important details are not overlooked ● Court filings are handled properly At Grant Lee Law, we guide clients through respectful negotiation while protecting what matters most. Our approach focuses on practical solutions, efficient resolution, and reducing unnecessary conflict. 7. Stay Future-Focused Divorce marks the end of one chapter — not your entire story. When you approach negotiations with a long-term mindset, you’re more likely to reach solutions that truly serve your future. Ask yourself: ● What do I need to feel secure moving forward? ● What outcome will allow both of us to rebuild? ● How can we prevent ongoing conflict? An amicable divorce is an investment in peace — for you, your former spouse, and especially your children. Moving Forward with Confidence Reaching a divorce agreement amicably requires patience, cooperation, and skilled legal guidance. With the right support, it is entirely possible to protect your interests while maintaining respect and dignity throughout the process. If you’re considering divorce and want a smoother path forward, Grant Lee Law is here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in reaching a fair and amicable divorce agreement.
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The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of excitement, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. For co-parents, it can also introduce a unique set of challenges. One of the most common sources of stress is gift-giving. Coordinating with your former spouse about Christmas gifts for your children is not just a good idea—it's a crucial step toward creating a peaceful and joyful holiday experience for everyone involved. This guide will walk you through the key benefits of discussing gifts with your co-parent. You will learn how this simple act of communication can help avoid common pitfalls, set a positive example for your children, and reduce holiday stress. By working together, you can ensure the focus remains on what truly matters: your child's happiness. Why Communication is the Greatest Gift While you are no longer a couple, you remain a parenting team. Approaching the holidays with a collaborative mindset demonstrates respect and unity, which benefits your child immensely. A short conversation about presents can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the holidays are memorable for all the right reasons. Let's explore the practical advantages of this approach. Avoid the Duplication Trap Imagine the look on your child's face when they unwrap the exact same video game or doll at both houses. While it may seem like a minor issue, duplicate gifts can create confusion and subtly send the message that their parents are not communicating. It also means your money and effort could have been better spent on providing a wider variety of presents. By simply sharing your gift ideas, you can avoid this scenario. A quick text, email, or phone call to check in before you start shopping ensures your child receives a diverse range of items they will love. This doesn't mean you need to plan every single gift together, but coordinating on the "big ticket" items can make a significant difference. A shared digital wishlist or a simple running list can be an effective tool to keep track of what has been purchased. The Importance of Setting a Spending Limit Finances are often a sensitive topic, and this can be amplified during the holidays. When one parent significantly outspends the other, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, competition, or resentment. This financial pressure is unhealthy for the co-parenting relationship and can inadvertently make the child feel caught in the middle. Agreeing on a reasonable spending limit helps level the playing field. It ensures that neither parent feels pressured to overspend to "keep up." This conversation isn't about rigid accounting but about creating a sense of fairness and shared responsibility. It also teaches your child a valuable lesson: the spirit of giving is not measured by price tags. When children see their parents aligned on financial matters, it reinforces stability and shows them that thoughtful giving is more important than extravagant spending. Promote a United Front of Teamwork Children thrive on consistency and security. Seeing their parents work together as a team, even after a separation, is a powerful and reassuring message. Collaborating on holiday gifts shows your child that their well-being is your top priority. It models effective communication and problem-solving, skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. This teamwork extends beyond just avoiding duplicate gifts. You might decide to pool your resources for one larger, more significant present that neither of you could manage alone. This act of partnership can be incredibly meaningful for a child, reinforcing the idea that they are loved and supported by a united front. Remember, your child’s emotional security is deeply connected to the health of your co-parenting relationship. A collaborative approach to the holidays strengthens that foundation. Reduce Holiday Stress for Everyone The holiday season is already packed with to-do lists, events, and expectations. Adding conflict with your co-parent to the mix only creates unnecessary stress for you and your child. Proactive communication about gifts eliminates last-minute surprises, arguments over spending, and the tension that comes from uncertainty. When you have a plan, you can relax and enjoy the season. You won't have to worry if your gift will be overshadowed or if a misunderstanding will lead to an argument on Christmas morning. This peace of mind is invaluable. By addressing potential issues ahead of time, you free up emotional energy to focus on creating positive memories with your child. A stress-free parent contributes to a stress-free holiday atmosphere, which is the best gift you can give your family. When Communication Breaks Down Ideally, every co-parenting conversation would be smooth and productive. However, reality can be more complicated. If discussing holiday arrangements, gifts, or other co-parenting matters consistently leads to conflict, it may be time to seek professional guidance. Disagreements over finances, parenting time during the holidays, or general communication can become overwhelming. If you find yourself unable to reach an agreement, help is available. Angela at Grant Lee Law specializes in family law and is experienced in helping parents navigate the complexities of co-parenting. She can provide mediation services or legal advice to help you find common ground and establish clear, effective strategies for handling the holidays and beyond. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength and a commitment to your child's well-being. Create a Harmonious Holiday Season Coordinating Christmas gifts with your former spouse is a small effort that yields significant rewards. It helps you avoid duplicates, manage finances fairly, present a united front, and reduce overall holiday stress. By prioritizing open communication and collaboration, you set a powerful example for your child about respect, teamwork, and the true spirit of the season. Your goal is to create a loving and stable environment for your child, and that doesn't stop during the holidays. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring the season is filled with joy, not tension. Remember to approach the conversation with a positive and practical mindset, always keeping your child's happiness as the central focus.
