Online Therapy The Best Online Divorce Support Groups and Resources of 2024 Find a community of people who can help you as you navigate uncoupling By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 28, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology, field research, and data analytics. Learn about our editorial process Print Divorce can be overwhelming. Whether you initiated the divorce or are still hoping for a reconciliation, a divorce can be stressful, lonely, and worrying. Online support groups can help you during this challenging time by offering advice, tips, and resources or providing a place for you to vent, share stories, and chat with others dealing with similar marital and separation issues. The online divorce support groups and resources we chose are affordable—including free options—and are hosted on easy-to-navigate platforms. If you’re looking for online support that’s active, responsive, and can provide a space for interactive, vibrant discussion, these options can help. Move toward new beginnings by joining one of the 6 best online divorce support groups. The 6 Best Online Divorce Support Groups of 2024 Best Overall: Circles Best Variety: DailyStrength Best for Relationship Advice: LoveShack.org Most Active Forums: Talk About Marriage Best for Legal Advice: Men’s Divorce Best for Resources: Woman's Divorce The Best Online Divorce Support Groups and Resources of 2024 View All The Best Online Divorce Support Groups and Resources of 2024 Our Top Picks Circles DailyStrength LoveShack.org Talk About Marriage Men’s Divorce Woman's Divorce See More (3) Compare Providers Guide to Choosing the Best Online Divorce Support Group Is an Online Divorce Support Group Right for Me? Frequently Asked Questions Methodology Best Overall : Circles Membership fee: $29 per month, $129 per six months, or $179 per yearStructure: App for support groups Sign Up Now Why We Chose It Circles offers affordable, high-quality group support for those navigating divorce and/or for those in narcissistic relationships. Each Circles group is led by a licensed therapist or facilitator with certifications in divorce, relationships, or mental health. You can also message other group members between sessions. Pros & Cons Pros Groups dedicated to divorce or breakups 14-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with subscription Groups are led by licensed therapists 7-day free trial Cons Subscription is required No one-on-one therapy, couples, or family therapy offered Does not accept insurance Circles offers therapist-led groups focusing on three main categories: divorce, separation, and narcissistic relationships. Common themes within the divorce support groups are financial worries, navigating the rollercoaster of emotions, health and well-being, parenting challenges, social isolation, and post-divorce identity. And while we tried Circles when it was offering groups focusing on different challenges (including grief), our experience with it makes us feel comfortable recommending it for those navigating a divorce. We tested Circles twice—including with a therapist who tried Circles—and both times we had very positive experiences. Once you download the Circles app and pick your group, you’ll have a specific time to join the audio chat sessions. We could also chat 24/7 with group members and the therapist facilitator outside our scheduled time. Both times we tried Circles, we felt supported and listened to in the group sessions and felt that the moderators did an excellent job of leading the discussion so that the conversations flowed. We feel confident that it would be a helpful option to share experiences and feelings and just connect with others who are also going through the end of a marriage. We found the overall Circles community to be lively and supportive; however, as with all support groups, each group varies depending on the participants and the therapist or moderator. For example, some of our sessions felt more educational, others more conversational. Circles is not the same as individual or group therapy, but it's a good place to start. Plans & Pricing Insurance Accepted: NoSubscription Required: YesOut-of-Pocket Costs: Monthly subscriptions for $29, 6-month subscriptions for $129 ($21.50 per month), or yearly subscriptions for $179 ($14.90 per month) Verywell Mind readers get a 22% discount off a monthly or yearly subscription with the code VERYWELL22, applied at checkout. What Users Say We surveyed 100 users of Circles: 87% rated Circles as very good or excellent overall87% rated their therapist’s qualifications as very good or excellent92% said that most or all of their needs were met at Circles93% are likely or very likely to recommend Circles to a friend or someone like them7% were using Circles for divorce or discernment support Best Variety : DailyStrength DailyStrength Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forum Sign Up Now Why We Chose It DailyStrength features a large community of members and offers both support and community groups covering a variety of topics. Pros & Cons Pros Large community Access to other community groups Easy to navigate Platform is free Cons Not moderated Posts are visible to anyone DailyStrength offers organized support groups—including a divorce and breakup support group with almost 13,000 members—as well as community groups that are launched by members. All of the groups consist of forums where members can read and leave messages at any time. Although it's certainly not a substitute for therapy, this online community does create space for peer support in which you can connect with peers going through similar experiences at any time. DailyStrength outlines basic “rules of the road” for its members. The site makes it clear it does not tolerate harassment and that no one is allowed to ask other individuals for money. Registering for the site is free and simple: Just create a username and a password, then submit an email address. For those looking for a website that offers a variety of forums related to self-improvement, relationships, and mental health, this might be a helpful site for you. Not only can people talk about divorce, but they can also connect with others on topics of interest. It’s important to note that groups are not moderated. Members may report any incidents of abuse that occur in the forums. It will be investigated and action will be taken if necessary. In addition, there do not appear to be any licensed mental health professionals monitoring the site. So, even though many discussions involve mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, the advice received from peers may not be accurate. Forums can also be searched by anyone on the internet. So, choosing an anonymous nickname may be important for confidentiality. Plans & Pricing Insurance Accepted: N/ASubscription Required: NoOut-of-Pocket Costs: Free to use What Users Say Although we did not test Daily Strength or survey its users, the convenience of the forums and the free peer support available to those going through divorce make it worth recommending. Some users report a positive experience finding support and connection through DailyStrength’s forums. However, others have indicated that some forums have rules that are not enforced consistently, and moderators do not always clearly communicate the reasons why someone was banned. Best for Relationship Advice : LoveShack.org DailyStrength Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forums Sign Up Now Why We Chose It LoveShack.org provides a supportive community for members to chat about everything related to relationships—from dating to divorce. Pros & Cons Pros Active community Fun visual interface Ability to create journals and blogs Has forums focused on breakups and divorces, reconciliation, and coping Cons Questions can get repetitive Posts are visible to anyone LoveShack.org provides a public forum for people to chat about all types of relationships. Topics range from self-improvement and substance use to dating and divorce. The forums are very active, so while people can certainly connect with others about divorce, they'll be able to talk with like-minded individuals about other topics, too. The site provides basic community guidelines and expectations about respect. It’s important to read the rules before posting in the forums. The site also allows users to create “journals.” These are entries that are similar to blog posts. Individuals can read and comment on other people’s posts. Or, they can create their own journals to share their thoughts with others. LoveShack.org is a peer-to-peer resource, meaning it is not run by a mental health or legal professional. The advice and suggestions people receive are likely to be based on information from others who have gone through similar experiences and are certainly not a substitute for therapy. It's also important to note that the forums are accessible to anyone, so it might be best to avoid using a real name. Individuals might not want everyone reading about the struggles they've been experiencing or to know the advice they're sharing. Plans & Pricing Insurance Accepted: N/ASubscription Required: NoOut-of-Pocket Costs: Free to use What Users Say Although we did not test LoveShack.org or survey its users, the forums and the free peer support for relationship advice make it worth a try. Some users report a positive experience finding support through the forums. However, others have said that the moderation is inconsistent and some users brag or take a blaming attitude that can ruin the experience. Most Active Forums : Talk About Marriage Talk About Marriage Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forums Sign Up Now Why We Chose It Talk About Marriage boasts 106,000 members and over 5 million posts and includes forums that can help you navigate the challenges and loneliness of divorce, separation, and related issues. Pros & Cons Pros Active community Access to other forums Volunteer moderators Hundreds of posts about divorce and separation Cons May seem impersonal at times Posts are visible to anyone Talk About Marriage offers forums about a variety of relationship topics. With more than 106,000 members and over 5 million posts, the forums are very active, including discussions about divorce and separation. There are also forums about sex, dealing with infidelity, and general relationship issues. You can sign up to participate in the groups with Google, Facebook, or an email address. Talk About Marriage has a team of volunteer moderators who patrol for spam and watch over the content. Moderators also look out for “fake news” or inaccurate content to ensure that conversations are accurate. Whether your partner says they “need space” or you’re dealing with a mental health issue, there is a search function that allows you to enter keywords and search more than 800 forums at once. That way, you can find information relevant to you and what you’d like to discover. Just know that whatever you post can be visible to anyone and like several other forums on this list, there isn't an expectation of privacy. Plans & Pricing Insurance Accepted: N/ASubscription Required: NoOut-of-Pocket Costs: Free to use What Users Say Although we did not test Talk About Marriage or survey its users, we liked that it had such a variety of active conversations about difficult relationships, separations, and divorce. Reviews are mixed, with some users saying that there are a lot of posts that turn into rants. Like any open forum, the content varies depending on the people posting. Best for Legal Advice : Men’s Divorce Men’s Divorce Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forums, resources Sign Up Now Why We Chose It Operated by a law firm focused on divorce and other family law practice areas, the Men’s Divorce forums offer support and legal advice on general issues such as custody and child support. Pros & Cons Pros Offers advice with easy access to an attorney Covers a variety of topics Resources available Created by a law firm Cons Interface can be tricky to navigate Posts are visible to anyone Men’s Divorce is a website from a law firm that addresses a variety of aspects of divorce. It offers a variety of resources, ranging from a child support calculator to a downloadable divorce survival guide. There's also a forum that answers common questions men going through a divorce ask their lawyers. Men's Divorce may benefit those who are interested in learning more about the legal aspects of uncoupling, including the division of property and child custody arrangements. The site hosts regular webinars where attorneys present information and answer questions about a variety of topics, such as custody schedules and alimony payments. It also hosts a regular podcast about divorce-related issues. The forums can also offer emotional support to those who want to hear from others who understand their circumstances. The posts are visible to anyone, so users should choose a nickname if they opt to comment. And, it’s important to note that the groups are facilitated by volunteers and legal professionals, not mental health professionals. Plans & Pricing Insurance Accepted: N/ASubscription Required: NoOut-of-Pocket Costs: Free to use; there's a contact form where you can reach out to request a lawyer What Users Say Although we did not test Men's Divorce or survey its users, we found the resources to be educational and potentially helpful for men going through a divorce. Its focus on legal advice sets it apart from other online resources. Best for Resources : Woman's Divorce WomansDivorce.com Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forum, resources Sign Up Now Why We Chose It Woman's Divorce not only offers a forum for chatting and connecting with others going through divorce, it also provides resources, articles, tips, a newsletter, and even an e-book. Pros & Cons Pros Offers a wide variety of resources Access to legal expert Has resource list broken down by state Downloadable divorce documents Cons Outdated interface Some spam within the forum Woman's Divorce is a website that provides an opportunity for people to discuss every aspect of divorce. Members are encouraged to give support, ask for help, and even vent a little in the forum. Plus, there are resource lists based on your state and downloadable divorce documents and books. The site also has a section where a legal expert answers common divorce questions that range from child support issues to how to serve legal documents. This website can be helpful for anyone who is looking to get answers to questions from others who understand what they’re going through. Common issues include problems getting along with exes or soon-to-be exes, children who are having trouble adjusting to separation or divorce, dealing with child support issues such as nonpayment, and coping with all the emotions that go with separation and divorce. The site also offers expert advice for anyone in need of financial help as well. It provides tips and resources on splitting assets, dealing with debt, and how to get the best outcome from a divorce settlement. Comments in the forums can be read by the general public, so the site staff recommends not using any identifying information (such as your email) when you create a post or respond to one. Plans & Pricing Insurance Accepted: N/ASubscription Required: NoOut-of-Pocket Costs: Free to use; there's a form to help you connect with a divorce lawyer in your area What Users Say Although we did not test Woman's Divorce or survey its users, we found the resources to be educational and potentially helpful for women going through a divorce. We were especially impressed by the sheer number of resources available, especially compared to other sites we researched. Compare the Best Online Divorce Support Groups Company Membership fee Structure Circles Best Overall $29/month or $129/6 months or $179/year App DailyStrength Best Variety Free Online forums LoveShack.org Best for Relationship Advice Free Online forums Talk About Marriage Most Active Forums Free Online forums Men’s Divorce Best for Legal Advice Free Online forums, resources Woman's Divorce Best for Resources Free Online forums, resources Guide to Choosing the Best Online Divorce Support Group Focus: Consider what you'd like to learn or gain from attending a group. Is it legal information or emotional support? Or, is there a chance of reconciliation, and you want relationship advice? Then, look for a group that can help meet your particular needs.Format: Do you prefer an app, online forum, or resource articles? Can you post in a forum or group at any time? Evaluate what works best for your schedule and make sure it's in a format that you'll use.Cost: Many online support groups are free of charge. Others have monthly or yearly subscriptions with added benefits like groups facilitated by licensed therapists. There are also some that charge a small fee to help cover the costs of maintaining their services. Find an option that works with your budget and needs. Is an Online Divorce Support Group Right for Me? Divorce can be a painful process for many reasons. Whether a person is grieving the end of a relationship, or they feel as though they're being tormented by their ex, the dissolution of a marriage can be complicated. A divorce support group might be helpful for talking to someone who has been through a similar experience. However, individuals experiencing a decline in mental health should seek professional help beyond a support group. Symptoms of depression or anxiety should be addressed by a professional mental health provider. A therapist or a psychiatrist can assess symptoms and make recommendations. Frequently Asked Questions How Can a Support Group Help? A support group can provide peer support from people who understand or are going through common issues. It may be able to provide users with emotional support or offer resources and information that might be helpful. How Are Online Groups Different Than In-Person Groups? Most in-person support groups meet at a scheduled time on a regular basis. They may meet for an hour a week or two hours a month, for example. They’re often moderated by one person, perhaps even a professional. Online support groups don’t usually “meet” at a particular time. Instead, members can usually read or create messages at any time of day or night. Are Online Groups Facilitated by Mental Health Professionals? Some online groups are facilitated or moderated by mental health professionals, but in many cases, it's volunteers who assist with the sites and moderate the forums. How We Chose the Best Online Divorce Support Groups We assessed some of the biggest and most popular online divorce forums and support groups. We chose ones that had the most active forum discussions, offered the best educational content and resources, and supported members through the divorce process. We looked for sites that provided factual, reliable, and helpful content and were able to provide it in a way that encouraged members to live their best lives. We also looked for sites that offered a mixture of professional advice (from a mental health professional or lawyer, for example), as well as peer support, such as a discussion forum. We searched for groups that were either completely free or ones that charged small fees and clearly explained what they were for. We also looked for communities that had clear rules banning bullying, harassment, or disrespectful behavior. Support groups with moderators were also given preference, as moderated groups might be more likely to support members with respectful communication. By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Edited by Hannah Owens, LMSW Hannah Owens, LMSW Hannah Owens is the Mental Health/General Health Editor for Dotdash Meredith. She is a licensed social worker with clinical experience in community mental health. Learn about our editorial process Updated by Amanda Tust Amanda Tust Amanda Tust is an editor, fact-checker, and writer with a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. 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