Free Divorce Information

There are several things to know when looking for a divorce support group. First is that there are plenty of them throughout the land. Second they are run by people who are both understanding and knowledgeable. And third they offer practical, down-to-earth advice.

Let's face it, divorce can hurt and people who are wounded emotionally need some tender loving care. So feel free to make contact and take all the help and friendship which is available.

Where Are the Groups?

Pretty much everywhere. There are web sites which simply ask you to type in your zip code and from that comes a list of support groups in your area.

Divorce Care is sponsored by Church Initiative which is a non-profit group supported by many different denominations in many countries. Of course there are more divorce support groups in areas of dense population and people located in rural places may have to travel.

Or if you fancy starting a group in your own area, there is help to get you started in this venture as well.

But Which One?

There is a wide choice. There are support groups which are run by professionals and have the support of a large institution such as a church all the way down to small self-run support groups where the members literally help one another.

Everyone's needs and personality are different. You may prefer a large support group where you blend into the crowd and are not the focus of attention. Alternatively if you're an up-front kind of person who wants to pitch in and speak and help others, then seek out that smaller member-run group.

You need to decide which is the right support group for you.

Now consider these other factors - cost, gender, commitment and sponsor.

Many support groups are free with maybe a small charge for refreshments or pamphlets. Then there are groups where you can pay for professional counseling from a therapist. It all depends on your needs, wishes and budget. Find the support group in which you feel happy.

Single-sex or not? Some men and women feel more comfortable in a group in which all the other members are their gender. There are support groups just for men and just for women.

Next you need to consider your commitment. A support group can provide a great deal of support including such things as seminars and training courses. If you feel you wish to try some intensive study then this may require a solid commitment. It might be what you want and need but are you too busy or too committed elsewhere? These are things you need to consider when seeking your support group.

Finally there is the sponsor of your support group. Many churches are involved and this may not to your liking. That is not to say the church groups are not doing all they can to help people who need support and doing it well. It's just that you might not agree with a certain church's philosophy and feel out of place. Again something to ponder in selecting your support group.

I've Found My Support Group - Now What?

Some people make the mistake of divorcing their partner then marrying their support group. The point being that you should learn as much as you can from your group but not become dependent upon it. You must learn to be independent and self-confident.

And not only should you not spend too much time with your group, you should feel free to have some time away from it. Finding other people to talk to, mixing with people who not in the divorce situation, can be as good as a session within the group. Break up your time.

From the support group you need the happy mix of soul and supper. Soul means your emotions and how you are handling your new single life. And supper means the practical side of your existence - court applications, child sharing, the divorce process and other practical matters. Don't get bogged down in one to the detriment of the other. You want your inner healing and you need the day-to-day tips to get things done.

All Different Types of Groups

The Open Directory Project is a huge internet based operation. It's run by members for the use of anyone and includes, amongst many things, details of divorce support groups - where they are, who they cater for and more.

The above web page has dozens of links but many of the links have additional links. If you want resources, meeting places, and counseling, specific advice for children or any other kind of support concerning divorce, chances are you will find it here amongst these groups.

Many of these support groups offer contact via the internet. For those people who can't or don't want to travel or for those who don't wish to be personally involved with others, there are forums and podcasts, seminar news, reports, financial advice and much more all available on your computer monitor.

There are even daily messages of support by email and jokes for those who need a little humor in their lives. Divorce support groups are big business. Sadly because there seem to be so many clients but happily because if you are in a divorce, there are many helpful people and groups who can and will give you a helping hand.

Even a web page with a simple FAQ can make such a difference. The people who set up the Frequently Asked Questions have responded to thousands of people who ask about divorce and the things which matter. If you are newly divorced and need even basic information, it's available.

One pretty basic way to find different support groups is to use your search engine and type in divorce support groups. Some search engines will display half a million web pages.

Again the on-line world can not only help you locate and choose a divorce support group, it can provide the means for you to ask questions, make comments and read how others, just like you, have handled and are handling their life as a divorced person.

Here are additional resources you might be interested in:

More information on dealing with Children and Divorce.

Divorce Information in the USA

Are you considering getting a divorce? There's an excellent ebook about deciding whether to Get a Divorce or Stay In the Relationship. Every couple should read this before making the decision.

If you're on the verge of having a divorce, read this to Save Your Marriage.