January 30, 2007: Christie Brinkley Divorce Update:  Keep Kids OUT of it, Judge Warns

The New York Daily News recently reported on the latest legal wrangling between serial bride and former supermodel Christie Brinkley and her fourth (but probably not last?) husband, Peter Cook. For those of you who were in the Alaskan wilderness when news of the split broke last summer, their fairy-tale marriage fell apart shortly after Brinkley learned that Cook's 19-year-old assistant was "assisting" him -- in matters typically reserved for one's wife.

It seems that recently, Brinkley and Cook have had a tough time agreeing on issues related to their two young children -- Jack, 11, and Sailor, 7. Things have gotten so acrimonious that Central Islip Supreme Court Justice Joseph Pastoressa had to formally advise Brinkley and Cook to keep their children out of their dispute.

More information on divorce conflict: The Angry Face of Divorce Vengeance and Retribution Parenting Pitfalls "He Said...She Said" Managing the Anger of Divorce

"Be civil. Don't use your children as messengers between you," the judge warned. "A custody trial would be devastating for the children and devastating for the parents. It should be avoided at all costs."

Obviously, this is valuable advice -- as even after a divorce, the children will still have the same basic needs with regard to feeling safe, loved, and protected by their parents, whether those parents are together or apart. And divorce can have a significant and lasting impact on a child's security with regard to these needs, so it is imperative to stay mindful of your child's best interests, despite whatever disagreements may arise with your soon-to-be ex during the negotiation process.

So what was all of the Brinkley-Cook fighting about? You know, everyday issues...visitation rights, deciding whether or not the children should be allowed to fly by private plane in the event of a"red-level" terror alert, and whether or not Christie or the nanny helps with the kids' homework.

After the hearing, Brinkley did say one thing that should squelch the "dumb blonde" stereotype once and for all. "I would say to all men and women going through a divorce -- that it is difficult." Well said, Christie. Well said.

WENDY JAFFE, Esq. is the author of The Divorce Lawyers' Guide to Staying Married. You can get more of Jaffe's advice and hear a podcast interview at AOL.com, and you may also visit her website at divorcelawyersguide.com.

Other related stories:

• Christie Brinkley makes it a fait accompli
• Peter Cook hoping to reconcile with Christie Brinkley

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