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Spouses in Transition Support
Divorce and separation within the Foreign Service community can involve unique and complex legal and personal challenges, particularly when children and relocation are involved. Each year, Foreign Service spouses reach out to AAFSW during times of crisis, sometimes facing abandonment and a lack of financial or emotional support while separated from family and friends in the United States or abroad. Although there is no specific data on divorce rates within the foreign affairs community or the Department of State, AAFSW has observed that more families are navigating difficult separations and divorces, sometimes under dire circumstances. The unique stresses of overseas life—including repeated relocations, adapting to unfamiliar environments, and living far from established support networks—can place additional strain on marriages and families.
AAFSW's Crisis Fund
Established in 2015 and funded through donations, the AAFSW Family Crisis Fund provides limited financial assistance for emergency expenses such as groceries, utility bills, partial rent payments, and one or two hours of legal consultation. Because separation and divorce can be especially challenging for Foreign Service families, AAFSW is committed to supporting family members through these transitions, whether they are in the United States or abroad. AAFSW provides resources and advocacy, working with the State Department’s Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO) and other agencies, as well as support groups and networks of family lawyers familiar with divorce and the Foreign Service lifestyle.
Under strict confidentiality, employees and spouses experiencing distress are encouraged to reach out to AAFSW for support and assistance in navigating these difficult transitions. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
AAFSW's Resources
GCLO Resources
- Divorce and Separation - The Global Community Liaison Office (GCLO)'s online resource hub providing guidance and support in the area of divorce. Foreign Service employees and family members in the process of a divorce are eligible to access these services.
- GCLO’s “Divorce and the Foreign Service" - A separate GCLO page that addresses topics related to separation and divorce in the Foreign Service, including Advance Travel.
OPM Resources
- General Life Events section
- I'm separated or I'm getting divorced
- FEHB Handbook
- Court-Ordered Benefits for Former Spouses
More Resources
- WorkLife4You (WL4Y) - WL4Y is the Department of State’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their family members. WL4Y provides free 24/7 counseling, education, and referral services that help Department of State employees and family members find the programs, providers, information, and resources they need to manage personal and professional responsibilities. For login information, contact GCLOAskSupportServices@state.gov.
- Employee Consultation Services - (Intranet) Email at: MEDECS@state.gov. Employee Consultation Services provides short-term counseling and referrals for State Department employees and family members. This is a confidential, free service staffed by licensed clinical social workers. ECS has a monthly divorce support group that meets at the Department of State.
- Family Advocacy Program (3 FAM 1810)
- Curtailment of Foreign Assignments (3 FAM 2443)
- Permanent Removal (of household effects in storage) (14 FAM 627.6)
- What Federal Employees Get Wrong About Divorce and Retirement - Article in Government Executive.
- AFSA Practical Guide to International Divorce in the Foreign Service