To get the best help for your situation, first answer the questions on the guide's start page.
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Divorce or separation- Guide's start page
- Steps of separation or divorce
- Considering the decision to divorce or separate
- When there is a risk of violence in the divorce or separation
- Filing for divorce
- Practical matters to be handled in the divorce or separation
- Agreement on arrangements relating to the divorce or separation
- Dealing with the emotions arising from the divorce or separation
- After the divorce or separation
- Checklist
Dealing with the emotions arising from the divorce or separation
Apply for support for coping
It is natural for a divorce or breakup to stir a range of mixed emotions. The divorce or breakup may seem difficult, but also as a relief.
Information, support and help is available for discussing your thoughts and practical situations.
Updated: 27/2/2025
Information on all services is not available in your chosen language. Change the language of the site to receive information on services in other languages.
When to see a doctor?
It takes time to recover from a divorce or breakup, but you may also need help from a doctor, a psychologist or a psychotherapist to support your mental health.
If you feel that the divorce or breakup is too hard for you to cope with and you cannot manage your daily life, contact your local health and social services centre or your occupational health provide. The doctor will assess the situation and, if necessary, refer you to treatment such as psychotherapy.
Updated: 27/12/2022
Telling your child about the divorce or separation
If you decide to divorce or separate, discuss the divorce or separation with your child and explain how this will affect your child’s life. It is important to listen to the child's wishes and thoughts, but decisions on matters are the responsibility of the parents.
Updated: 10/9/2021
Support for families with children
A divorce or breakup causes a variety of emotions in children: confusion, sadness, fear, hatred, sometimes even relief. If the child has symptoms as a result of the divorce or separation, you can get help from
- a family counselling centre
- as a parent of a child under school age from a child health clinic
- in the case of schoolchildren, the school psychologist or school social worker
- peer support groups for children in welbeing services counties, parishes and organisations.
Updated: 24/10/2023
Information on all services is not available in your chosen language. Change the language of the site to receive information on services in other languages.