HBO’s Divorce: A Realistic Look at the End of a Marriage

When Divorce Comes Out of Nowhere

HBO’s Divorce captures the raw emotions, messy details, and tough conversations that come with the end of a marriage. As a South Carolina divorce lawyer, I see echoes of this story in real life almost every day.

The show follows Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker), a successful businesswoman, and Robert (Thomas Hayden Church), a struggling contractor, as their marriage unravels in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. At a friend’s chaotic birthday party, Frances suddenly announces she wants a divorce—shocking Robert and setting the story in motion.

Fault, Affairs, and Emotional Betrayal

From the start, Frances feels trapped in a loveless marriage. Robert, blind to her unhappiness, clings to denial and plays the victim when he learns Frances has been having an affair. Their children, portrayed with refreshing realism, already see the truth before the adults admit it.

What rings true is how both spouses redefine “fault.” Robert condemns Frances’ affair, but therapy reveals he’s maintained an emotional relationship with a college girlfriend for 20 years. He refuses to see it as betrayal, insisting, “we never had sex.” Frances calls it what it is: an emotional affair.

Divorce Rarely Happens Overnight

As any experienced South Carolina divorce lawyer knows, divorce rarely happens because of one single event. It’s years of disconnection, resentment, and unmet needs. Counseling exposes the cracks, and mediation becomes their path forward.

No Perfect Time to Have the Divorce Conversation

Just like in real divorces, there’s no perfect time to have “the talk,” no script that makes it easy. Divorce shows the awkward, painful, and sometimes absurd reality of separating lives, while reminding us that clarity must come before resolution.

How a South Carolina Divorce Lawyer Can Help Your Family

At Indigo Family Law, we guide families through the same difficult process—untangling the past so they can move toward a healthier future. If you’re considering divorce in South Carolina, an experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you take the next step with confidence.

A South Carolina divorce lawyer can assist you with:

• Divorce Mediation: Find solutions outside of court to reduce conflict and cost.

• Child Custody & Support: Protect your relationship with your children while ensuring their needs are met.

• Property Division: Navigate equitable distribution of assets, property, and debts.

• Alimony & Spousal Support: Ensure fair financial arrangements after separation.

• High-Conflict & High-Asset Divorce: Handle complex financial issues and contested matters with skill.

Whether you need a  divorce attorney, guidance on custody, or help with property division, Indigo Family Law is here to provide clarity and compassionate representation.

📞 Contact Indigo Family Law today to schedule a consultation with a trusted South Carolina divorce lawyer.