Divorce is a major life change, so it’s normal to need a little help with the transition. Fortunately, there are a wealth of resources available. In fact, some of my clients complain that there’s too many – it’s hard to figure out which are the most valuable.

Here are just a few that you may find helpful. If you use them or have others you’d recommend, I’d love to hear about your experience.

Divorce Support Groups

It can be helpful to get guidance from others going through the same thing. Divorce support groups are about sharing your experience and feelings – and also learning from one another. You don’t have to go through it alone.

• DivorceCare

This is a faith-based divorce support group program that runs around the country. You can input your zip code and find a group meeting near you.

• DivorceForce

This is an online community where you can seek out professional advice, share your personal story, and read educational articles. If you have trouble finding time for in-person meetings or find them uncomfortable, this can be a great alternative.

• Your Local YMCA

You may think of the Y as just a place to exercise or sign up for sports teams, but many branches also offer divorce education or support groups.

• Your Local Places of Worship

Your church, synagogue, or other place of worship is another great place to look for a support group. If it doesn’t have one, you could consider volunteering to set one up.

Co-Parenting

In Florida, you are required to take the state’s co-parenting course if you are divorcing and have children under 18. While it provides valuable information, here are some additional co-parenting resources and tools you may find useful.

• Support Pay
  This site offers a simple way to process child support payments, so you don’t have to worry about chasing after payments or fighting over money.

• Our Family Wizard

This is a scheduling tool designed for divorced families, helping you keep track of visitation, school, sports, and extracurricular activity schedules. You can also share important information and manage joint expenses.

• 2Houses

Another scheduling and communication app for divorced families, allowing you to track activity schedules, manage expenses, and share school, extracurricular, and medical information.

• Up to Parents 

This is a free online co-parenting class as well as a source of online videos and articles.

For Children

Talking to your children about a divorce isn’t always easy. Here are a few resources for getting the conversation started.

• Little Kids, Big Challenges: Divorce

This toolkit was put together by the creators of Sesame Street. It is geared toward young children, with simple videos, coloring books, songs, and more.

• Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids by Isolina Ricci

This guidebook for tweens and teens was written by a family therapist. It helps kids deal with two different sets of house rules, varying schedules, and managing emotions.

• Two Homes by Claire Masurel

Another good resource for young children, between the ages of 2 and 7, this book shares the story of a young boy who split his time between his father’s home in the suburbs and his mother’s house in the city. It shares a simple and important message: that children are loved by both parents, no matter where they are living.
A Family Therapist
It may not be immediately clear how your child will cope with the divorce. In some cases, they may not feel comfortable talking to you about it. Allowing them to talk to a professional can go a long way. If you need recommendations, consult with your divorce attorney who likely knows the best in your area.