The coming together of two people in a commitment to a mutual future is most often celebrated joyfully and extensively. However, the end of a relationship is commonly, at best, signified by the signing of divorce papers. This leaves those who are involved to individually deal with their feelings of sadness, confusion, anger, anxiety and failure that so often mark the end of a relationship. These feelings are multiplied and intensified if there are children involved.
A divorce and separation ceremony marking the end of a relationship can help all parties involved to express these feelings ritually and to replace those commitments that are no longer valid with others that are significant to the future of both partners and their children.
Although ideally done with both former partners, their families and friends present, this ceremony can also be done individually and at any time after the actual end of the relationship.