In recent years, celebrations of divorce have become increasingly popular. Divorce parties, photoshoots, vacations and more have become an acceptable and even expected way for people to recognize and appreciate the new beginning a divorce can inspire.
“Divorce registries” have also entered the lexicon. Whether you feel like celebrating your divorce or not, chances are, you’re going to need some new things. This is true whether you’re staying the family home, but your spouse took some furniture, gym equipment and linens or you’re furnishing a new place and want it to reflect your style rather than your ex’s. At least until all the financial agreements and transfers are worked out, you’re also probably going to be watching your spending.
Types of divorce registries
Divorce registries are much like wedding and baby registries. You select the items you need (or just want), and friends and family can buy them for you. It’s a nice way for people to support you during this big life change when they don’t quite know how to help. If you announce your divorce on a group text, email or other post, you can slip in a link to your registry to let people know about it without actually asking for things.
You can set up a divorce registry at retailers like Amazon and Target, which allow registries for any occasion. There are also registries unique to divorce. For example, the registry at Divorcist lets you ask for favors like babysitting, dog walking, moving help, repairs and more as well as cash.
Websites like Fresh Starts focus on home furnishing and decorating items. These can be helpful if you need to furnish a room for your child in your new home or set up your own kitchen for the first time. While registries have traditionally been marketed toward women, anyone can benefit from setting one up – and just browsing some of the sites for ideas can prove to be surprisingly inspiring.
To be clear, you should never rely on a divorce registry as an alternative to a fair property division or support agreement. However, it can be easier to focus on dividing large assets and working to keep the things that are important to you if you can rely on your friends and family to buy you a new espresso maker or contribute towards a new exercise bike. With a registry, you may not have to “sweat the small stuff” quite as much.
