Online Therapy Best Online Divorce Support Groups Find a community of people who can help you as you navigate uncoupling By Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on August 24, 2021 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 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 Print The 7 Best Online Divorce Support Groups of 2021 Best Overall: Reddit: r/Divorce 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: WomansDivorce.com Best for Couples Who May Want to Reconcile: Marriage Builders Best Online Divorce Support Groups View All Best Online Divorce Support Groups Our Top Picks Reddit DailyStrength LoveShack.org Talk About Marriage Men’s Divorce WomansDivorce.com Marriage Builders See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Providers FAQs Methodology Best Overall : Reddit : r/Divorce Reddit Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forum Sign Up Now Why We Chose It A vibrant community with active moderators, the Divorce board on Reddit features interactive discussions and insightful, supportive, and honest responses from other members. Pros & Cons Pros Active, responsive community Easy-to-use interface Can post anonymously Cons Reddit account required Reddit, one of the most popular social media sites in the US, hosts more than 130,000 communities which discuss topics ranging from video games and movies to fitness and dating. The site’s Divorce community (or subreddit) is an active board that lets members post their experiences, share their feelings, ask for—and give—advice and support, and just connect with others who are going through the end of their marriage. The community may seem intimidating at first and if you’re new to Reddit, you may find it tricky to navigate the jargon or quirks of the site, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that the community is lively and supportive. Before you join the community and start posting, however, make sure to read the guidelines. Certain posts, such as blanket statements and anything deemed promotional, may be removed. When posting to the community, moderators recommend that you add basic information about yourself, such as age, the length of your marriage, and the reason for your divorce, to help avoid repeated questions from other members. The community is popular so you may find that you get responses almost within minutes. Some posts or questions receive as many as 50 comments or responses. 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 Cons Not moderated DailyStrength offers both support and community groups. The site itself begins with support groups. Members may launch community groups based on topics they see fit. All of them consist of forums where members can read and leave messages at any time. Topics range from depression to fibromyalgia, offering a divorce and breakup support group with over 11,000 members. 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. It’s important to read the rules before getting started. Registering for the site is free and simple: Just create a username, a password, and then, submit an email address. It’s important to note that support groups are not moderated. Members may report any incidents of abuse that occur in the forums. They investigate reports of abuse and take action if necessary. Forums can be searched by anyone on the internet. So, choosing an anonymous nickname may be important for confidentiality. 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. 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. 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 Cons Questions can get repetitive LoveShack.org provides a public forum for people to chat about all types of relationships. Topics range from self-improvement and substance abuse to dating and divorce. Their 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. 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. The site provides basic community guidelines and expectations about respect. It’s important to read their rules first 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. 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. 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 almost 90,000 members and over 4 million posts that can help you navigate the challenges and loneliness of divorce and separation and related issues. Pros & Cons Pros Active community Access to other forums Volunteer moderators Cons May seem impersonal at times Talk About Marriage offers forums about a variety of relationship topics. With almost 90,000 members and over 4 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 their more than 800 forums at once. That way, you can find information relevant to you and what you’d like to discover. 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 all other family law practice areas, the Men’s Divorce forums offers support and legal advice on issues such as custody and child support. Pros & Cons Pros Offers legal advice with easy access to attorney Covers a variety of topics Resources available Cons Interface can be tricky to navigate Men’s Divorce is a website created by a law firm that addresses a variety of aspects of divorce. The website offers a variety of resources, ranging from child support calculators to a downloadable, divorce survival guide. They also provide a forum that allows users to discuss divorce-related issues with one another. Popular topics include things like divorce and technology (such as how to obtain text messages via subpoena). They also have a forum on how to address custody issues. Though the posts were all created before 2005, it includes an “ask a lawyer” archive. And, the forum answers to common questions men going through a divorce ask their lawyers, so their responses may still be helpful. The site hosts regular webinars where attorneys present information and answer questions about a variety of topics, such as child custody arrangements and alimony payments. They also host a regular podcast about divorce-related issues. 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. Their forums can also offer emotional support to those who want to speak with others that understand their circumstances. The forums are able to be viewed by anyone, so it’s necessary that users choose a nickname. And, it’s important to note that the groups are facilitated by volunteers and legal professionals, not by mental health professionals. Best for Resources : WomansDivorce.com WomansDivorce.com Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forum Sign Up Now Why We Chose It WomansDivorce.com not only offers a forum for chatting and connecting with others going through divorce, it provides resources, articles, tips, newsletter, and even an e-book. Pros & Cons Pros Offers resources, articles Access to legal expert Cons Outdated interface Life coach no longer accepting questions WomansDivorce.com 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. 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. Comments in the forums can be read by the general public, so they recommend not using any identifying information (such as your email) when you create a post or respond to one. The website also offers a section on “coping with divorce,” where a life coach addresses readers' questions about reaching the decision to divorce, coping with a difficult ex, and rebuilding self-esteem. Although she is no longer accepting questions, members can browse the archives to find questions and posts that may apply to you. It’s important to note that a life coach is not the same as a mental health professional. A life coach may have personal experience with divorce or may have taken some classes on specific topics, but they are not licensed or credentialed by any governing boards. WomansDivorce.com also has a section where a legal expert answers the most common questions people ask when going through a divorce. Questions range from child support issues to how to serve legal documents. The site also offers advice for anyone in need of financial help, as well. They provide tips and resources on splitting assets, dealing with debt, and how to get the best outcome from a divorce settlement. This website can be helpful for anyone who is looking to get answers to questions from others that understand what they’re going through. Best for Couples Who May Want to Reconcile : Marriage Builders Marriage Builders Membership fee: FreeStructure: Online forums, resources Sign Up Now Why We Chose It Marriage Builders features a variety of relationship forums that offer support and advice as well as resources for those looking for more in-depth advice and information. Pros & Cons Pros Access to resources Easy to post and respond Covers variety of topics Cons Community not as active Marriage Builders is a website devoted to helping couples address issues in their marriage, such as conflict and infidelity. It provides a variety of articles and resources that include a radio show and links to recommended books. The site also offers marriage coaching with Steve Harley, who provides phone sessions to couples anywhere in the world. There are also online courses and videos that can be purchased to help couples learn skills that improve their relationships. The site offers a variety of relationship forums, featuring topics ranging from military marriages to dating. One group is specifically dedicated to those individuals who are divorced or planning to divorce. There are also forums regarding spirituality, where individuals can make prayer requests, or engage in Bible studies with other members. It's important to note that groups are moderated by volunteers who are not licensed, mental health professionals. The rules are clearly posted on the website, which reports that they do not allow things such as harassment, disrespectful behavior, or political posts. Users can read and create posts at any time. The forums are open to the public, so it’s important to choose a nickname that lets members stay anonymous. The website is in favor of helping people maintain their relationships. So, this may be helpful if people are hoping to continue their relationship. For already-divorced couples, there might not be as much value in this one as in other support groups. Final Verdict SDI Productions / Getty Images Divorce can be overwhelming. Whether you initiated the separation 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, resources or just provide a place for you to vent, share stories, and chat with others dealing with similiar marital issues. The online support groups we chose are all free to join and are hosted on easy-to-navigate platforms. If you’re looking for an online support group that’s active, responsive, and can provide a space for interactive, vibrant discussion, consider Reddit’s Divorce board. Compare The Best Online Divorce Support Groups Company Membership fee Structure Reddit: r/DivorceBest Overall Free Online forum 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 WomansDivorce.com Best for Resources Free Online forums, resources Marriage Builders Best for Couples Who May Want to Reconcile Free Online forums FAQs How Can a Support Group Help? A support group can provide peer support from people who understand or are going through common issues. They may be able to provide users with emotional support or offer resources and information that might be helpful. 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. Does it Cost Anything to Join an Online Divorce Support Group? Most online support groups are free of charge. Some of them charge a small fee to help cover the costs of maintaining their website. All of the ones we chose are free of charge to join. 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 or 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. How Do I Know Which Site is Best for Me? Individuals should consider what they'd like to learn or gain from attending a group. Is it legal information or to gain emotional support? Or, is there a chance of reconciliation? Then, look for a group that can help meet those needs. Are Online Groups Facilitated by Mental Health Professionals? Most online groups are not facilitated or moderated by mental health professionals. They often have volunteers who assist with their sites and moderate their forums. How Do I Know if I Should See a Professional Therapist? Individuals experiencing a decline in mental health should seek professional help. Symptoms of depression or anxiety should be addressed by a professional mental health provider. A physician can assess symptoms and make recommendations. 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 who 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. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies