The Lilac Tree — Free Divorce Support Groups for Women — Illinois
The Lilac Tree is an Illinois-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting women going through separation and divorce. Based in Evanston and serving more than 2,000 women per year across Illinois, The Lilac Tree has provided education, support, and resources to divorcing women for over 35 years. Programs include Personalized Information Sessions, webinars and workshops, Divorce University, support groups led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and a robust referral network.
What to Expect
The Lilac Tree’s signature support groups run for 8 to 10 weeks and are led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers in a therapeutic, compassionate, and supportive environment. Groups gather a small, consistent cohort of women through the cycle, building deep peer relationships and giving members a stable place to process the emotional and practical work of divorce. Alongside the support groups, The Lilac Tree’s Divorce University runs structured educational programs on legal, financial, parenting, and emotional dimensions of divorce. Personalized Information Sessions give women one-on-one time with a Lilac Tree staff member to map their next steps.
Who This Group Is For
The Lilac Tree serves women in Illinois who are considering, navigating, or recently completed divorce or separation. Programs are open to women regardless of socioeconomic status, education, ethnicity, geography, native language, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The Ila Chaiken Scholarship Fund specifically supports women who are low-income or financially distressed (including survivors of abuse), making programs accessible regardless of ability to pay.
Why Peer Support Works
Women going through divorce in Illinois often describe a particular sense of overwhelm — Illinois family law is complex, the emotional load is heavy, and the practical decisions accumulate quickly. The Lilac Tree’s combination of professionally facilitated peer support, structured education, and one-on-one navigation gives women a multidimensional support network that scales with what they need at each stage. The 8-10 week support group format builds genuine peer bonds; many alumnae stay connected to each other and to The Lilac Tree long after their formal program ends.
How to Join
The Lilac Tree’s intake process is free. Visit thelilactree.org to learn about current programs, request an Information Session, or contact staff directly. The Lilac Tree office is at 1101 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois. Many programs are offered both in-person in Evanston and online so women across Illinois can participate. Scholarship support is available for women who need fee assistance.