The Power of Apology~ 2 min read
Offering a genuine apology during divorce can rebuild trust, soften conflict, and help both you and your spouse move toward resolution. In Mediation or Collaborative Divorce, an apology often opens the door to better communication and more productive discussions.
Why an Apology Matters
During divorce, one of the biggest challenges is the loss of trust. You once relied on your spouse more than anyone else, and now that trust is broken. Acknowledging the hurt, even without saying “I’m sorry,” can go a long way toward rebuilding respect and allowing both of you to move forward. Many people find they need accountability before they can let go of the anger and begin making decisions with a clearer mind.
What an Apology Can Look Like
An apology does not always need to be dramatic. It can be as simple as recognizing the other person’s feelings or admitting that your actions caused pain. In Mediation or Collaborative Divorce, apologies are protected, meaning they cannot be used against you in court. This gives you space to be honest without fear. Sometimes an apology is not even about using the words “I’m sorry” but about acknowledging the other person’s experience. That simple step often reduces defensiveness and makes real conversation possible.
How Apology Changes the Process
When one person apologizes, the other often follows. This exchange can shift the tone from hostility to cooperation. Instead of focusing on past wrongs, both of you may start discussing solutions for the future. It does not guarantee agreement, but it often opens the door to better communication and quicker resolution.
Moving Forward
An apology cannot change the past, but it can change the path ahead. Even a small acknowledgment can soften conflict and make the divorce process less damaging. It allows you to focus less on anger and more on building the next chapter of your life. When apologies are part of the conversation, the process feels less adversarial and more constructive.
Contact Family Ally
At Family Ally, we know that divorce is more than a legal process. It is also an emotional journey. Our team supports respectful approaches like Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, where communication and understanding can make all the difference. Contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.
Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations.
Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2025), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.
