Watching a friend deal with a divorce and go through the emotional stress of ending their marriage can be difficult. While you want to offer support, you don’t want to step on their toes, especially when they’re busy with important tasks like negotiating with their ex-spouse or working with a divorce attorney. With this mix of heartfelt and practical measures, you can show them that you are there for them.

How to Support a Friend During a Divorce

1. Don’t Play 20 Questions 

Be wary of asking a lot of questions about the reason for the divorce. They might not want to talk about it, especially if an affair is to blame. Sometimes even innocent questions can feel like judgment to an emotionally vulnerable person going through a divorce. Make it clear you support them and that they can confide in you.

2. Keep Including Them

Invite your friend to coffee or to join you for a fun fitness class. Don’t eliminate them from future dinner parties even if they’ll be the only single person there. The weeks and even months after a divorce can be lonely. Encourage them to get out and interact with others.

3. Give A Helping Hand

Maybe you want to send a simple bouquet of flowers to brighten their day—or perhaps you can cook a meal for them. Don’t just verbalize your support, show it. Practical help, like babysitting kids or dropping off ready-made meals, can mean a lot.

4. Validate & Support Your Friend

Don’t cast doubt on your friend’s decision or say things like “I’m not surprised you’re separating,” or “Are you sure you want to split, you were such a great couple!” They’ve already decided to see a divorce attorney and pull the plug on their marriage. What they need now is validation. 

5. Speak Up When Needed

While it’s important not to interrogate, judge, or give unsolicited advice, if your friend is behaving inappropriately—speak up. Say they are badmouthing their ex-spouse online; Remind them gently that this kind of behavior can work against them in child custody agreements. 

Does a friend of yours need a divorce attorney? The Law Offices of Conti, Levy and Salerno, LLC provide comprehensive family law services to residents in the Litchfield County, CT, area. Whether your friend needs to talk “first steps” with a compassionate divorce attorney or requires the assistance of an aggressive negotiator to hash out child support issues, they can help. Their team brings over 75 years of experience to the table and is known for showing their clients genuine kindness and understanding—as their online testimonials show. For a consultation with a lawyer, call (860) 482-4451.