10 Practical, Free Ways to Support Someone Going Through Divorce
1. Offer a Specific Task You Can Do
Instead of “let me know if you need help,” say:
“I can come over and help you box up the kitchen on Saturday.”
“I’m free Wednesday to walk your dog.”
Be clear and concrete. It takes the pressure off and makes it easier for them to say yes.
2. Be Their Admin Assistant for a Day
Divorce comes with mountains of paperwork, calls, and scheduling. Offer to sit beside them while they:
Sort documents
Call utilities
Fill out court forms
Even if you’re not doing it yourself, your presence keeps them grounded and supported.
3. Create a Calm Night In
Plan a free night of rest and comfort.
Say: “Come over, I’ll make popcorn, we’ll watch a trashy movie, and you don’t have to talk about anything unless you want to.”
Consistency and comfort help rebuild a nervous system in crisis.
4. Drive Them to Court (Or Sit in the Parking Lot)
Legal proceedings are overwhelming. Offer to:
Drive them
Sit nearby
Be a calm, grounding presence afterward
It’s emotional labor, and knowing someone is there—even if they’re not in the room—can make all the difference.
5. Babysit or Help with Kid Logistics
If they’re a parent, offer:
School pick-ups/drop-offs
Watching the kids for an hour or two
Hanging out with the kids while they take a shower or nap
These small windows of relief are invaluable.
6. Help Them Refresh Their Space
Offer to help them:
Rearrange a room
Hang new curtains
Take down wedding photos if they’re ready
You’re not redecorating—you’re helping them make space that feels like theirs again.
7. Build a Grocery List or Cook Together
Food planning is hard in emotional chaos. You can:
Help plan a week of easy meals
Sit beside them while they order groceries online
Cook a meal using pantry items
This brings care into their most basic needs.
8. Set Up a Shared Calendar or Reminder System
Help them:
Set up custody schedules
Block time for rest, legal stuff, and fun
Create a shared doc with their “life admin” to-do list
It gives them structure when everything feels chaotic.
9. Create a Comfort Kit
Use what they already have:
A cozy blanket, tea, face masks, snacks
Print out encouraging notes or mantras
Package it with love and let them know you see them.
10. Be a “Decision Buddy”
Divorce involves constant decisions. Offer to:
Talk through pros and cons
Listen without judgment
Help them trust their instincts again
You don’t need to solve anything—you just need to be their sounding board.
Showing up doesn’t have to mean spending money. These practical, no-cost actions prove that the most meaningful support comes from care, presence, and follow-through. The goal isn’t to fix everything—it’s to help someone feel a little less alone in the process.