Helping Your Friend Through a Divorce

By Rick Navarrete
Attorney

What should I do if my friend is going through a divorce?

With roughly half of all marriages ending in divorce, chances are you may have already had or will have a friend going through a divorce.  As a friend, you want to be there and say the right things, but so often friends are unsure of how to react to a divorce.  Our West Texas divorce lawyers offer some tips for helping your friend through divorce.

1. Lend an ear:  Going through a difficult divorce can be overwhelming.  At times, you just need someone to vent to.  Try simply listening to your friend.  Reassure them or offer a simple hug.  Just the act of lending a non-judgmental ear may be a tremendous help to your struggling friend.  

2. Offer support:  A divorce can be a test to determine which friends are the real ones.  If your friend is getting divorced, you should offer your support.  Pick up the phone, go visit, send an email, or otherwise make it known that your friend is not alone.  Divorce is isolating enough, do not leave your friend without support.

3. Don’t leave them out:  There may be a temptation to leave your divorced friend out when it comes to couple’s dinners or social events that you all once did together.  Do not leave your friend out just because they are no longer a part of a couple.  Include your friend in group events. Take steps to ensure your friend will not feel uncomfortable, which could include inviting other single friends or including only welcoming other friends.

4. Give a hand:  Your friend may need help around the house or with child care if he or she has recently gone through a divorce.  Where there were once two partners, there is now just one.  This can leave tasks undone.  As much as you are able, give a hand by offering to assist with occasional child care or completing an odd job around the house.  These simple acts could greatly reduce your friend’s stress levels.

If you need assistance with your Texas divorce, do not hesitate to call our divorce lawyers at Navarrete and Schwartz, P.C.  We offer experienced legal help to divorcing couples across the Midland, Texas area.

About the Author

Rick Navarrete, a graduate of Angelo State University and Texas Tech University School of Law, has been serving the Permian Basin for over 24 years, with his practice extending across Texas. Specializing in criminal defense and family law, Rick has tried hundreds of cases before juries and judges, including high-profile matters. His extensive experience has honed a deep understanding of the law, enabling him to effectively prosecute, defend, and protect his clients’ interests. Rick has built a firm culture that prioritizes exceptional client service and personalized attention. Known for his zealous courtroom advocacy, he is equally dedicated to educating his clients throughout the litigation process. This commitment has earned him a reputation as one of the area’s most sought-after trial attorneys. Rick is an active member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Texas Family Law Section, and the Administration of Rules of Evidence Committee for the State Bar of Texas. He has also served as President of the Midland County Young Lawyers Association and on the Bar Leadership Committee of the State Bar of Texas. Among his many accolades, Rick has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer and included in the Best Lawyers in America.