Divorce or separation

Check out, for example, the Family Federation of Finland's Hyväksymys.fiOpens in a new window. website and Mentalhub.fi’s section on self-care when your relationship ends (in Finnish)Opens in a new window..

Additionally a lot of literature on divorce is available in libraries.

So-called divorce groups meet up in many localities. In these groups lead by professionals, you can get support from others who are in the same situation.

Ask about the groups 

• from your wellbeing services county's health care services 
• from  your wellbeing services county's department of social services 
• from organisations
• from parishes.

You can search for peer groups and peer cafés and other events organised by various parties using the Apuaeroon.fiOpens in a new window. website. 

Peer support service providers include:

• Familia AssociationOpens in a new window. for intercultural families
• The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and SheltersOpens in a new window. for everyone
• Counselling Centres for Family Matters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for everyone.
• Miessakit Association's Erosta Elossa (surviving divorce)Opens in a new window. activities for men

If the mental health problems affect your ability to work or study, you should find out whether you qualify for rehabilitative psychotherapy compensated by Kela.

Contact Kela to find out whether you qualify for financial support for rehabilitation.Opens in a new window.

• Tell the child about the divorce or separation only when you have made the final decision to divorce or separate. 
• However, it is a good idea to give your child time to prepare for changes in advance. 
• You should only tell very young children about the situation once the divorce or separation is going to happen relatively soon.

Tell the child about the divorce or separation calmly together, if possible. The discussion should take place in a familiar and safe place for the child.

Discuss with the child discreetly and from the child's own point of view. You may not manipulate or pressure your child. You must also not force your child to pick a side between the parents.

Tell the child at least

• that the divorce is not the child's fault, but an issue between the adults
• what changes in their life and what remains the same
• that the child’s thoughts and opinions are important and will be heard.

Eron ensiapupisteet (first aid stations for divorces) provide support and advice in divorce and separation situations and arranging the affairs of your children. You can find the contact information of the first aid stations and many other services from the Apuaeroon.fiOpens in a new window. website.

Information and support for problems in families with children is also available at:

• Barnavårdsföreningen (in Finnish and Swedish)Opens in a new window.
• Familia (all services available also in English)Opens in a new window.
• The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and SheltersOpens in a new window.
• Isät lasten asialla ry (Fathers for the best interest of children association) (in Finnish)Opens in a new window.
• Kasper ry (in Finnish)Opens in a new window.
• Counselling Centres for Family Matters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
• Mannerheim League for Child WelfareOpens in a new window.
• The Erosta Elossa activities of the Miessakit AssociationOpens in a new window.
• Sateenkaariperheet.fi - Rainbow Families FinlandOpens in a new window.
• Family Federation of Finland’s Hyvä kysymys websiteOpens in a new window.
• Yhden Vanhemman Perheiden Liitto (Association for single-parent families) (in Finnish)Opens in a new window..