Home Before Marriage During Marriage When Divorcing After Divorce In New Relationships Books Organizations Web Research Tips Useful Terms How to Use this Site The Institute Lorna Wendt Contact Press Room Sponsors

The Equality in Marriage Institute has closed and this site is preserved for archival purposes only. The founder, staff and board members of the former organization are not responsible or liable for the accuracy of the articles on this site, links, suggested resources or information on linked sites. No questions or comments can be submitted via this site and reproduction of any of the material on this site is prohibited. Inquiries about media interviews or speaking opportunities for Lorna Jorgenson Wendt can be submitted by clicking here.


How Friends And Family Can Help
Coping with Divorce

Ending a marriage is like a death in the family. It's important to have the support of friends and family during the grieving period, which is likely to last beyond the awarding of the divorce decree. Even in the smoothest of divorces, this will be a time of stress. Don't go through it alone.

Yet many put off telling the people closest to them that the marriage is in trouble or that a divorce is in progress. It's just too hard to bring up the subject. You may feel embarrassed or fear how friends and family will react. Yet you'll probably find that they were just waiting to lend a hand -- or an ear. They may have hesitated "to intrude" or were embarrassed themselves to bring up the subject.

Give them a chance to help you. Tell each person directly. An email message might break the ice. Send one on us.

Support Someone You Know

Maybe you know of someone who could use a "pick-me-up". Click here to download and send a thoughtful and supportive booklet to comfort, strengthen and empower your friend through their transition.

Actions When Divorcing

What To Do First
 
3 Ways to End Your Marriage
 
Learn Your Divorce ABC's
 
Find and Maintain Your Lawyer
 
Managing Your Lawyer
 
How To Avoid A Court Trial
 
If You Choose Mediation
 
If You Choose Arbitration
 
If You Choose Collaborative Law
 
How To Prepare For Alternative Dispute Resolution
 
If You Choose To Go To Trial
 
"Knowledge Is Powerful" Check List
 
Who Gets What Where
 
Know What Your Marriage Is Worth
 
Pensions: 12 Worst Mistakes Lawyers Make
 
7 Key Questions To Ask About Retirement Benefits
 
Divorce and the Military
 
Hidden Assets and How To Find Them
 
Taxes And Divorce
 
Divorce and Dividing Debt
 
When To File For Bankruptcy
 
Protect Your Credit Rating
 
Alimony
 
What About Your Children?
 
Emergency Court Orders
 
Appealing or Modifying Your Final Divorce Decree
 
Financial Transitions of Divorce
 
Divorce and Hard Assets
 
Divorce and Soft Assets
 
 

10 Ways To Feel Better Fast
 
How Friends And Family Can Help
 
Join A Group
 
Handle 'Divorce Anger'
 
Keep a Journal
 
Do You Need A Religious Divorce?
 

Ways To Move On