How to support someone going through a divorce

There’s no denying that going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in any couple’s life. There are many ways in which the breakdown of a marriage can affect any children involved, plus surrounding family and friends. No matter if one person is the sole instigator or it’s a mutual decision, the whole process can be incredibly unsettling.

If you have a close friend or family member who’s going through a divorce right now, here are a few helpful tips on how to support them.Helping them find professional help

The first natural step with any divorce is finding the right legal representation. Helping them to secure a trusted divorce solicitor demonstrates that you’re by their side throughout this process and they have support with all of the tricky paperwork at this difficult time. This legal aid can help them to come to the most amicable agreement possible, ensuring that they achieve the outcome they desire and any payments they are entitled to.

Regular invitations

Frequently inviting them to days out, evening meals, or any social events can be a great tonic to support someone who’s going through a divorce. Sometimes divorces can feel alienating – particularly if the couple in question shared many of the same friends. Regular invitations are a great way of showing you’re still including them as normal. Even if they don’t feel up to going out, it’s often just the invitation itself that can make someone feel valued. 

Lending an ear to listen

Aside from help with legal aid and paperwork, more than anything, sometimes someone going through a divorce just needs a friend who can lend an ear to listen to them. Whether that’s sitting through tearful conversations, witnessing their anger at painful memories, or their sadness remembering the happy ones – all of these emotions are valid when it comes to getting over a marriage. Having a friend to talk to about it all can hugely help to lighten the load and make them feel supported.

Helping out with the harder tasks

There are a few difficult tasks that are unavoidable when it comes to two people getting a divorce – and it’s these times that your friend will need you more than ever. Whether it’s helping them pack up all of their belongings and moving out of the marital home, or collecting the kids from school and looking after them while their parents attend court hearings. These are the truly testing tasks where you can show that you’re here to show your support, every step of the way.