The Impact of Divorce on Friendships and Social Networks

The decision to divorce has a major impact on all areas of your life. One aspect divorcing individuals don’t always think about is how a divorce might alter friendships and social networks. Taking the time to recognize how these changes may impact your life can help you plan to get the support you need during the divorce process.

Planning for the Impact of Divorce

If you’re heading into a divorce, you probably have a lot on your mind. Divorcing spouses are primarily concerned with major questions about how assets will be divided, who keeps the family home, alimony payments, and child custody.

These are major concerns that can have a lifelong impact on your financial stability and family structure. Unfortunately, thoughts about how divorce might impact the other relationships in your life often take a backseat.

This type of oversight is understandable, but it can often lead to unforeseen complications. Take the time to consider how you may lose friends, family, and social support during your divorce.

Losing Your Social Network During Divorce

The sad reality is that during a divorce, friends and family often choose sides. This frequently results in losing friends whose support and companionship you were counting on during this difficult transitional period.

For example, if you and your spouse have a circle of friends you regularly spend time with, it’s very common for a couple to side with one spouse over the other during the divorce.

When friends take sides during a divorce, you may find you’re no longer invited to gatherings. The people you expected to call for help during your move might not pick up the phone. If you’re accustomed to relying on your spouse’s family for childcare, you may realize that for the sake of your custody case, it’s no longer a good idea.

Divorce is a major life change. It’s often an emotional period that can be challenging to navigate. It’s important to realize that the loss of your social network is a very real issue that may make your divorce proceedings even harder than you were expecting.

The Importance of Support During Your Divorce

Whether you’re sad about your divorce or the thought of it fills you with relief, it’s wise to recognize the toll that the loss of a social network can take.

Losing the people who help you feel emotionally supported and understood is a major change. When it happens on top of the other major changes brought about by divorce, it’s not always easy to feel emotionally stable and think through the long-term implications of your choices.

One of the most important factors in your divorce is the divorce lawyer you choose. When it feels like life is falling apart, having a compassionate lawyer who cares about your financial and emotional well-being can make a huge difference to how your divorce proceedings unfold.

Taking the time to choose the right lawyer helps ensure you gain a new form of support during a period when you’re losing most of your accustomed support network.

Speak With a Michigan Divorce Lawyer Today

Gucciardo Family Law is a Michigan family law firm. We care about our clients, and we do everything we can to ease the difficult transitions inherent in the divorce process.

Contact Gucciardo Family Law today to learn how we can help with your Michigan divorce.