Divorce can be an overwhelming process, filled with emotional, financial and logistical challenges. While property and child custody often take center stage, the fate of friendships is an equally significant concern.
In Tennessee, as elsewhere, you may find yourself asking, “Who gets custody of our friends?” Here are some things to consider about this often-overlooked aspect of divorce.
Understanding the dynamics
Divorce affects more than just your immediate family; it ripples through your entire social network. While the courts help divide assets and determine child custody, no legal framework exists for maintaining friendships after divorce. But social circles typically split along these lines:
- Pre-marriage friends usually stay with their original connection
- Mutual friends often gravitate toward one spouse
- Couples you befriended together may struggle with divided loyalties
- Work friends generally remain connected to their coworkers
- Family friends frequently align with their blood relative
Other friendships naturally fade because these individuals feel uncomfortable around both ex-spouses or worry about appearing disloyal. Some will struggle to adapt to new social dynamics due to their own unresolved feelings about divorce. This says more about them than you.
Finding support during the transition
While losing friends hurts, focus on maintaining healthy relationships with those who support your healing. Finding out who your true friends are can be empowering. You can help ease the stress by taking these actions:
- Be honest with close friends about your needs
- Avoid putting mutual friends in the middle
- Accept that some friendships will change or end
- Build new social connections through support groups or activities
- Give yourself time to adjust to your new social reality
The good news is that you’re not alone on this journey. Remember, losing some friends makes room for new relationships that better fit your next chapter. While the social aftermath of divorce challenges many people, you can emerge with stronger and more authentic friendships.
A skilled and compassionate divorce attorney can help you adapt to these social changes by protecting your parenting rights and financial interests. Experienced legal guidance can help ease stress so you can focus on emotional healing and rebuilding your support network.