Support during divorce
You shouldn't have to do this alone.
Divorce has a way of making people feel like the only one it's ever happened to. It isn't true. Here's where Minnesotans find support, what each kind is actually for, and where mediation fits in.
- Support groups: people who get it, weekly, in person or online.
- Parent education: a class about kids and conflict. Not the same thing.
- Mediation: the two of you, working out the decisions.
4.9 from 292 Google reviewsBy the Flannel People Mediation team. Updated October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Flannel People Mediation doesn't practice law or give legal advice, and doesn't draft court papers or file anything with a court.
In crisis? Call or text 988. In danger, call 911.
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The short version
Different kinds of help, for different jobs
“Divorce support” can mean a church basement on Tuesday nights, an eight-hour parenting course, a therapist, or a 2 a.m. phone call. They aren't interchangeable.
A support group is for you: people in the same season, swapping what helped. A parent education course is a structured class about kids and conflict, and in some Minnesota custody cases it's required. Counseling is one-on-one care. Crisis lines are for right now.
None of these settle anything between the two of you. That's what mediation is for: helping two people work through the hard issues, reach agreement and put it in writing. Some people lean on a group for themselves and use mediation for the decisions.
Four kinds of support
What each one is for
A quick map. Click through to the source for times, places and prices.
| Support group | Parent education | Counseling | Mediation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For | You, alongside peers. | Parents, about kids and conflict. | You, one-on-one. | The two of you, together. |
| Looks like | Weekly meetings, in person or online. | A set course (in Minnesota, at least eight hours when required). | Sessions with a licensed professional. | Private calls, an intake, then a joint session. |
| Good for | Feeling less alone; practical tips. | Understanding what kids go through. | Grief, anxiety, deciding what you want. | Reaching agreement and getting it in writing. |
| Example | DivorceCare | Parents Forever (UMN Extension) | A therapist you choose | Flannel People Mediation |
Support group
- For
- You, alongside peers.
- Looks like
- Weekly meetings, in person or online.
- Good for
- Feeling less alone; practical tips.
- Example
- DivorceCare
Parent education
- For
- Parents, about kids and conflict.
- Looks like
- A set course (in Minnesota, at least eight hours when required).
- Good for
- Understanding what kids go through.
- Example
- Parents Forever (UMN Extension)
Counseling
- For
- You, one-on-one.
- Looks like
- Sessions with a licensed professional.
- Good for
- Grief, anxiety, deciding what you want.
- Example
- A therapist you choose
Mediation
- For
- The two of you, together.
- Looks like
- Private calls, an intake, then a joint session.
- Good for
- Reaching agreement and getting it in writing.
- Example
- Flannel People Mediation
DivorceCare, up close
A widely available option
Search "divorce care near me" and you'll land on DivorceCare. By its own description, it's a nondenominational, Christ-centered, 13-week, video-based support group. Each meeting has three parts: a video, a group discussion and a personal workbook.
Faith-based
Join any week
In person or online
For kids, too
Cost, per DivorceCare's FAQ: most groups charge $20 to $25 for books, snacks and child care. Find a group.
Don't mix these up
Parent education isn't a support group
It's a structured course, and in some Minnesota cases it's required. Here's the general picture, from the sources.
What it covers
When it's required
One example
General information, not legal advice. Whether a course is required in your case, and which one, is a question for the court or your own attorney.
“I'm grateful for the mediation support Ryan provided. The process was quick and straightforward, and his calm, approachable presence made a stressful situation feel less overwhelming. He kept us steady and comfortable during a time that's hard for anyone.”
“Felt seen and heard for the first time in this process.”
“He was kind, calm, knowledgeable and supportive during what could have been a much more challenging process without his guidance.”
Mediation with us
What mediation looks like at Flannel People
Support groups help you carry it. Mediation helps the two of you decide it: working through the hard issues, reaching agreement and putting it in writing. Here's how that works with us.
$1,695 per person
Flat, on Zoom: the private calls, the intake and the joint session. Cost breakdown.
Ryan or Kate
Your mediator is Ryan or Kate McLaughlin. Neutral, no sides, no verdicts. Meet us.
All 50 states + DC
Ryan serves couples virtually in all 50 states plus DC. Online mediation.
AI translation
Available if English isn't one spouse's first language. Sessions are conducted in English.
In person?
In-person options may be available on request, for an additional fee.
FAQ
Divorce support groups: FAQ
Educational information only, not legal advice. Flannel People Mediation provides mediation services and does not provide legal representation.
Where can I find a divorce support group near me in Minnesota?
One widely available option is DivorceCare, which has a group finder on its website for in-person and online groups. Churches, community centers and counseling practices also run groups. Online groups can be a good fit if nothing meets near you.
What is DivorceCare?
DivorceCare describes itself as a Christ-centered, 13-week, video-based support group for people going through separation or divorce. Each meeting combines a video, group discussion and a workbook. You can join at any point in the 13 weeks.
How much does DivorceCare cost?
According to DivorceCare's FAQ, most groups charge $20 to $25 to cover books, snacks, child care and similar costs. Check the specific group for its price.
Is there a support group for kids?
DivorceCare runs DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K), a 13-week program for children ages 5 to 12 whose parents are separating or divorcing, according to its FAQ.
Is a parent education course the same as a support group?
No. Minnesota parent education courses are structured classes about the effects of divorce on children, preventing parenting-time conflict and dispute resolution options. Minnesota law requires them in some custody cases. A support group is peer support for you. Which requirements apply to your case is a question for the court or your own attorney.
Is mediation a kind of support group?
No. Support groups are for you. Mediation is for the two of you: helping two people work through the hard issues, reach agreement and put it in writing. Some people do both.
What if I'm in crisis?
If you're in danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide or are in emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Sources we checked
Read October 31, 2026. We aren't affiliated with any program listed here and don't receive anything for mentioning them.
- 01DivorceCare: What is DivorceCare?The 13-week format, video, discussion and workbook.
- 02DivorceCare: FAQCost, joining anytime, online groups, DivorceCare for Kids.
- 03Minn. Stat. § 518.157 (parent education)What parent education covers and when it's ordered.
- 04Minnesota Judicial Branch: Parent EducationThe list of approved courses.
- 05UMN Extension: Parents ForeverFormat, price and fee waivers.
- 06988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988, any time.
Keep reading
- Discernment counseling in MinnesotaWhen one of you is sure and the other isn't.
- Divorce coach vs. divorce mediatorOne works with you; one works with both of you.
- When one spouse isn't readyWhat to do when you're on different timelines.
- What to expect in divorce mediationThe five steps, from first call to written agreement.
Next step
When you're ready for the decisions
A free 15-minute call to see whether mediation fits where the two of you are. No pressure if you're not there yet. 4.9 stars, 292 Google reviews.