How to Write a Divorce Announcement and Helpful Phrases to Use
So, you’ve decided you’re going to make a divorce announcement - but…how do you begin? What do you say? Well, first of all, take a breath and remember you’re not alone. Secondly, go listen to the Divorce Announcement season on A Fresh Story podcast - it includes so many tips, tricks, and helpful advice.
We partnered with our friends at Divorce.com for The Divorce Announcement Season. Divorce.com offers a streamlined path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs. If you’re looking for a way through divorce to save you time, money, and headaches, head to Divorce.com and get in touch with them today.
How to write a divorce announcement:
When it comes to writing a divorce announcement, we know it can be overwhelming, so we lean on our VASE Method of Communication. VASE stands for Validate, Acknowledge, Support and Express - and it is how we write our Simple Scripts to Support Your People. We can use this method to write a Divorce Announcement, too!
Remember - you don’t have to share your divorce announcement - you do what is comfortable for you - and you can share it however you like it.
How to use the VASE Method to write a divorce announcement:
Validate: Be clear and honest about what is happening, validate the transition occurring in your life.
Example: I just wanted to share a little life update that’s been going on in our family this past year. About a year ago, John and I made the decision to close the chapter on our marriage.
Acknowledge: You can acknowledge what has been happening in your life. This helps support the information that you will be sharing - and it sets the tone! You get to decide how to word this and what you want to say.
Example: We are proud of the life we have built together and have mutually decided it is time to focus on the kids and our own journeys.
Support: We’re flipping the switch on this one here - instead of talking about how you will support other people, talk about how you were supported during this time.
Example: Over the last year, we have received so much support and love from the people in our life.
Express: Express gratitude for the support and people who have been cheering you on, holding you close, and keeping you grounded during the transition to divorce.
Example: And, we are so grateful for the people holding us close during this transition for our family. Thank you all for being part of our community today and always!
All together, the divorce announcement looks like this: I just wanted to share a little life update that’s been going on in our family this past year. About a year ago, John and I made the decision to close the chapter on our marriage. We are proud of the life we have built together and have mutually decided it is time to focus on the kids and our own journeys. Over the last year, we have received so much support and love from the people in our life. And, we are so grateful for the people holding us close during this transition for our family. Thank you all for being part of our community today and always!
Some helpful phrases you may want to consider for your divorce announcement:
Embarking on a new chapter: This emphasizes moving forward to new beginnings.
Transitioning to a new kind of partnership: Focuses on the possibility of maintaining a positive connection.
Choosing to grow in separate directions: Highlights personal growth as a positive outcome.
Dissolving our marriage, but not our respect for one another: Maintains a sense of dignity and respect.
Moving forward with love and support for each other: Emphasizes a continued sense of care, even if not romantic.
Beginning a new chapter of self-discovery: Highlights the opportunity for personal exploration.
Expanding our definition of family: Shows openness to a new kind of family dynamic.
Wishing each other peace and happiness on our individual journeys: Expresses well-wishes for the future.
Prioritizing our individual needs as we move forward: Focuses on healthy self-care.
With gratitude for the memories we shared, we're excited for what the future holds: Expresses appreciation for the past while looking forward to the future.
Remember to use the hashtag #MyDivorceStory if you want to share, so we can come hype you up!