Health & Fitness
Divorce and Co-Parenting Support Groups
NoVa has a number of support groups for people coping with divorce and for single parents who have trouble with their children's other parents. Many offer educational programs as well as friendship.
Worth noting: Some of these groups can also be good for estranged parents who never married each other.
Divorce is tough. During a time when you are most upset and are likely to have the most difficulty making rational decisions, you have to deal with legal issues, solve financial problems, and maybe also take care of children you love who are just as distressed as you are. For many parents, the struggles with one’s former partner go on for years, even after the divorce. A good support group can do wonders for helping you through this period.
Quite a few groups are available in northern Virginia. Some meet for a limited number of sessions to help you learn how the legal system works, how to manage communication with your ex, and how to handle your finances. Some provide ongoing support for as long as you need it. Having people who know you and care how you are doing is a big part of what makes these groups valuable.
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Northern Virginia already had long-term support groups based in Alexandria and in Ashburn. Geographically, there was a gap in the Springfield/Burke area. A new group has opened to fill that gap.
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Divorce and Co-Parenting Support Group - This new group focuses on peer support and co-parenting. Some meetings will include expert speakers. There is a $5 fee for the March 28 meeting, to pay for rental of the room. Most future meetings should be free. Springfield/Burke area.
Find out what's happening in West End Alexandriafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Brilliant Exits provides free TLC get-togethers and very good educational programs with a variety of expert speakers. Alexandria area.
Ever Changing River provides a support system and very good educational programs in the Ashburn area and in Maryland.
Metro DC Divorce Support provides peer support plus information from an attorney licensed to practice in VA, DC, and MD. The group meets in the District of Columbia.
If you know of other divorce, co-parenting, or single parent support groups in northern Virginia, please mention them in comments below.
Note: The author is a Professional Family Mediator certified by the Virginia Supreme Court. She is not an attorney or a therapist. This article is for informational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as legal advice. More information is available at fairfaxmediator.com.
