Most people think grief only happens when someone dies.
But if you’ve ever gone through a breakup, lost a job, watched a friendship fade, or had to start over, you’ve probably met grief too. It just didn’t show up wearing black.
Sometimes grief after separation looks like crying in the shower.
Sometimes it’s snapping at the kids.
Sometimes it’s zoning out in a work meeting or freezing in the supermarket when your song comes on.
And sometimes, it’s just… numb.
Grief doesn’t care whether you were the one who made the decision. Or whether “it could’ve been worse.” Or whether people think you should be over it by now.
It doesn’t always look like heartbreak, either. You might feel angry while your ex seems fine. You might be in acceptance while someone else is stuck in shock. At Clean Break, we see this every day- the grief mismatch between people, which can create conflict, delays, or frustration when big decisions still need to be made.
That’s why we don’t just talk about legal timelines. We talk about emotional ones too.
Grief affects your nervous system. It can cloud your focus, shrink your bandwidth, and make even simple questions feel like too much. It’s not you being slow or dramatic — it’s your body trying to protect you.
So what helps?
First: name it. You’re grieving. Not just the person, but the shared routines, the future you imagined, the version of yourself that existed inside that relationship. And grief after separation is still grief, even if no one died.
Second: pause when you need to. Especially before making big decisions. Give yourself permission to breathe.
Third: get support. The right kind. That might be a lawyer who doesn’t expect you to act in crisis mode. It might be a therapist. A mate who truly listens. Or, if you’re feeling isolated, you can text or call 1737 for free and confidential support 24/7.
You’re not behind. You’re just where you are.
And it’s okay if that place is messy, raw, or in-between.
If you’re navigating separation and want calm, clear support from someone who gets it, talk to us. We’re here when you’re ready.
“I had the privilege of working with Sarah Moon at Clean Break for my separation case, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! My case was far from straightforward, with numerous complexities, but Sarah’s expertise and dedication shone through. Rather than taking a routine approach, she guided me every step of the way with personalized advice and unwavering support. Thanks to her skillful navigation, I was able to keep both my house and my boat, achieving an outcome I couldn’t have imagined. As she builds her own practice with Clean Break, Sarah’s commitment to her clients is truly remarkable. She took the time to understand my unique situation, provided clear and thoughtful guidance, and delivered exceptional results. If you need a compassionate, talented separation lawyer, Sarah Moon is the one to trust!”
B.C. Google Review
Share this article
Comments (0)