By Josh D. Simon

If there’s to be a future version of the hit TLC series Jon & Kate Plus 8, they’ll have to add Minus Two to the title because the grown-ups have filed for divorce.

The surprising news, which was revealed to an estimated 10.6 million viewers during the shows’ 22 June airing, has sparked a number of issues that are far bigger than the show itself – which is likely why TLC has suspended the show to let the family "regroup."

Chief among the list of concerns is that of the plus 8's (a.k.a. the kids') mental health, and how to best protect them from what will most certainly be a media feeding frenzy.

Indeed, the desire to protect their children’s privacy may be why the Gosselin’s opted to file their initial divorce papers in Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County instead of Berks County -- where their home is located -- because the former jurisdiction automatically seals divorce papers; a practice that is rather unusual and pre-dates no-fault divorce.  

What, however, is not sealed from public consumption is the Gosselin’s intent to engage in bird nesting, which refers to a situation where children stay in the family home, with each parent “having” the children per an agreed upon schedule. Bird nesting prevents the children from moving around (and adding to their trauma), and keeps them in an environment that is familiar and safe. And on a practical level, it’s also cost-effective for separated parents who might otherwise have to invest thousands of dollars in order to find a home that is suitable, safe and approved for their children to visit.

Speaking of costs...that's the other category of issues erupting here. Dividing the Gosselin's current marital assets promises to be anything but a straightforward process, and figuring out future earnings will be even more convoluted. 

For instance, Kate Gosselin’s soon-to-be-released book Love is in the Mix: Making Meals into Memories (Zondervan Publishing House) will generate royalties into the future, and it remains to be seen how this will be shared -- if at all -- with ex-husband Jon. And of course, it works both ways: if Jon leverages his experience on the show in order to earn future income, ex-wife Kate may argue that she is legally entitled to a portion. 

Though the Gosselin's have apparently been separated for two long years, we're just the beginning of what is likely going to be a very complex divorce proceeding. And despite the couple’s attempt to shield the divorce and their children from public scrutiny (a desire that may arguably be at moral odds with the fact that the couple announced their divorce on television in the first place), this may turn out to be impossible. 

The public has already seen the rise of the Gosselin’s, and through their support and viewership have helped the couple buy a $1.3m house and live a life of material luxury that most people can only dream about. And while it may be prudent to do so, it’s quite unlikely that all 10.6 million people interested in the Gosselin's will turn away now that the arc seems to be descending, and an unwanted slice of reality is now hacking away at this once-envied reality show family.