The Rise of Divorce Registries: A New Way to Support Loved Ones
What People Are Registering For After Divorce: As divorce rates continue to rise, a growing trend is emerging: divorce registries. These online platforms allow individuals going through a divorce to create a list of essential items they need to start rebuilding their lives. The idea is simple: friends, family, and colleagues can purchase these items as gifts, helping the newly divorced person get back on their feet.
The Need for Support
For Olivia Howell, co-founder of Fresh Starts, a divorce registry website, this concept is personal. She went through a divorce in 2019 after eight years of marriage and two kids. Her husband left with most of their belongings, leaving her with almost nothing.
“What was left in the house was almost nothing,” she said. “I thought, I need to start over. I need to replenish my life.”
The Rise of Divorce Registries
Howell and her sister, Jenny Dreizen, created Fresh Starts to help others navigate the same process. The website offers bundles of items ranging from $99 to $500, including essentials like shower curtains, can openers, and bedside clocks. Recipients can choose from these bundles or select specific items from Amazon.
Real-Life Stories
Erin Eloise Tulberg, a yoga teacher and actor from Brooklyn, used Fresh Starts when she left her marriage with little more than her clothes and books. She set up a registry and received gifts from her friends, including matching beds for her and her son.
“It was a great way to have my friends rally behind me,” she said. “Suddenly, I had things from all of my friends that are real and tangible and not ephemeral.”
Angela Ashurst-McGee, who finalized her divorce in March after 32 years of marriage, used a divorce registry to replenish her household goods. She chose items like a waffle maker and twinkle lights for her backyard patio.
“It’s forward-looking. It’s not denigrating the other person. It’s just practical support,” she said.
 
The Benefits of Divorce Registries
By providing practical items and emotional support, divorce registries can help individuals rebuild their lives and start anew. Here are some benefits of divorce registries:
Practical Support
Divorce registries offer practical support by providing essential items that help individuals start rebuilding their lives. This can include household goods, kitchenware, and personal care items.
Emotional Support
Divorce registries also offer emotional support by providing a way for loved ones to show their support and care. This can be especially important during a difficult time in someone’s life.
Community Building
Divorce registries can help build community by bringing people together around a shared experience. This can be especially helpful for individuals who may be feeling isolated or alone.
Conclusion
The rise of divorce registries is a testament to the growing need for support during difficult times. By providing practical items and emotional support, these registries can help individuals rebuild their lives and start anew. Whether you’re going through a divorce yourself or know someone who is, consider using a divorce registry to show your support and care.