How to Divorce & Not Wreck the Kids

How to Divorce & Not Wreck the Kids takes viewers inside one of life's most devastating transitions as three Canadian couples, determined to keep the needs of their children first, work through their separations on camera.

The "divorce from hell" stories grab headlines: couples who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars destroying each other and, incidentally, their children. But in this country, there is another reality. Grassroots Canadians are at the heart of a quiet revolution - couples working on "good" divorces, which acknowledge that the end of a marriage isn't the end of a family. Because research says: separating parents who co-operate can raise children who are as emotionally healthy as kids from intact families.

Lionel and Sally with children Rhys and and Gareth As filming begins, the split between Sally and Lionel is still fresh and raw. And cooperating will be a challenge for Sally since she didn't want the marriage to end. Sally and Lionel were married for 17 years and are parents to three boys, from 11 to 4 years old. They agree to a new and controversial process called Collaborative Divorce, because they believe it will help them focus on what's best for their children. If only anger and bitterness don't derail the process.

Roland and Carolye were married for 13 years and have two kids. They transitioned out of their marriage into something of a friendship -- but that friendship will be tested as Roland seeks 50-50 custody of their children. Carolye and Roland will try to hammer out an agreement without professional help, using a do-it-yourself divorce kit.
Friday February 27, 2009 at 10 pm ET/PT on CBC Newsworld

Mike and Melissa with their twins.
After five years of marriage and three-year-old twins, Mike and Melissa split shortly after Christmas, the busiest time in the divorce world. They're each passionate about being there for all the important moments in the children's lives, even though it's uncomfortable being in the same room together. When they reach an impasse in their separation negotiations, Mike and Melissa turn to a mediator to break the deadlock.

Three courageous Canadian couples invite you to witness the end of their marriages...as they struggle to overcome their anger and fear and stay focused on How to Divorce & Not Wreck the Kids.

How to Divorce & Not Wreck the Kids is produced by Bountiful Films Inc. in association with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.