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About Dispatched Divorcée
What is Dispatched Divorcée?
Dispatched Divorcée is a community for women rebuilding their lives after divorce. We remove the shame and isolation that often comes with this season — and put you back at the center of your life.
We believe:
- Your feelings are valid, whether that’s crying in a restaurant, feeling numb, or feeling ragey and clear at the same time.
- There is no timeline for “getting through” divorce — even if you wish someone would give you one.
- This is a hard chapter, and it can also be the beginning of a life that finally fits you.
- You’re not alone, even if you want or need more alone time right now.
- Support shouldn’t be patronizing, shallow, or soaked in toxic positivity.
Founded by community builder and writer Laura Howe, Dispatched Divorcée is the kind of support she wished existed during her own divorce — honest, steady, and built on real community instead of platitudes.
How will this actually help me get through my divorce?
Every woman’s experience is different — and there’s no formula for getting through it “faster.” But there are ways to make it less isolating, less overwhelming, and more supported.
Here’s how Dispatched Divorcée helps:
- Community — a place to connect with women who understand this season firsthand, without judgment or comparison.
Structure + support — through courses, workshops, and cohorts, our container for women rebuilding their lives with clarity and community.
Resources — honest articles and tools that help you navigate everything from identity shifts to co-parenting to loneliness.
Hug in a Box — a grounding welcome ritual that helps you feel held, not lost.
Retreats & trips — because sometimes you need to get out of your environment to remember who you are.
A place that doesn’t rush you — we don’t believe in “moving on”; we believe in moving forward.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. You just have to keep going — and we’ll walk with you.
Community
Why is this community for women only?
Our community is intentionally designed for women navigating the end of a marriage. This is an emotionally vulnerable, tender chapter, and our responsibility is to create a safe, grounded space where members can share openly without needing to manage or explain their experience.
For that reason, membership is currently limited to women.
We also have a zero-tolerance policy for harmful language, dismissal, or judgment. Everyone here is working toward rebuilding, with honesty, compassion, and respect.
Is this community for me?
If you identify as a woman going through a divorce — or living in the “after” and rebuilding your life — this is likely for you.
You don’t need to be in crisis, fully healed, or anywhere specific on the “timeline.” You just need to want support, connection, and a place where you don’t have to pretend.
To learn more, explore our community offerings, including our community cohorts, workshops, retreats, live storytelling shows, and dance party events.
Orders - Hug in a Box Welcome Kit
Do I have to be divorced to order from you?
Technically, no. This box is designed for women navigating the end of a marriage — whether you’re separated, newly divorced, or farther along. If you’re in that territory, it will resonate.
What’s actually inside the box?
A curated set of items that support you through this season: a book matched to where you are, a journal, a custom pen, a small joy item from Japan, rebuilding tools, and a handwritten welcome note. (I don’t spoil every detail — the surprise is part of the experience.)
How do you choose my book?
After you purchase, you’ll receive a short survey that helps me match you with a book based on the season you’re in. If you prefer to choose your own, you can. If you want me to pick for you, I will.
Can I request a specific book?
Yes. If there’s a book you’ve been wanting to read from our selection, you can request it in the survey.
Is this the same Hug in a Box that Cohort members get?
Cohort members receive a version tailored to the program, which includes community-specific materials. If you’re purchasing this as a standalone gift, you’ll receive the general edition — still thoughtful, still supportive, just not cohort-specific.
Can I send this as a gift?
Yes. Just add the recipient’s name and mailing address at checkout. If you want to include a gift message, add it to the notes section and I’ll handwrite it inside the box.
Are the products in the box suitable for all ages?
Products are intended for adults aged 18 years or older. (We sincerely hope that minors don’t need our services…)
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PostFinance.
Please note that you will see “Laura Howe Media” on your credit card statement as Dispatched Divorcée is a registered brand of Laura Howe Media.
What currency do you bill in?
You will be charged in the currency you see at check out.
Please note that your bank or credit card provider might charge you a foreign transaction fee. Dispatched Divorcée and Laura Howe Media are not responsible for these fees; they are the customer’s sole responsibility.
Are there any added taxes or fees?
All orders and items subject to value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax, will be added to the sale price at checkout.
If you live outside of Switzerland, your country may require customs fees upon the box’s arrival in your country. Dispatched Divorcée and Laura Howe Media are not responsible for these fees; they are the recipient’s sole responsibility.
Returns & Refunds
What’s your return policy?
Due to the complications of international shipping, the following items are non-refundable/non-returnable:
- Gift Boxes
- Greeting Cards
- Gift Cards
The following items are returnable within 14 days at the customer’s expense:
- Merchandise, i.e. t-shirts, bandanas, tote bags
How do I request a return?
To request a return for a qualified item (^listed above), please email us at hello@dispatcheddivorcee.com within 14 days of delivery. In your email, please include your reason for return and your order number–we’re happy to help as best as we can.
What is your cancelation policy?
Charges are processed immediately when an order is placed. If you need to cancel your order, please do so within 24 hours of placing the order. After 24 hours, all paid orders are locked in and cannot be canceled or refunded.
What do I do if my order is damaged?
Oh dear, we’re sorry to hear that. If part of your order arrived damaged, please email us at hello@dispatcheddivorcee.com within 14 days of the box’s delivery. In your email, please include a photo of the item and your order number–we’re happy to help as best as we can.
I’ve already read the book included in your box. Can I get a refund?
We understand how frustrating this can be. Our boxes are offered as a complete set, book included, and cannot be split up or customized at this time.
Shipping
Does it come with "DIVORCE" written on the outside of the package?
Your package will come shipped from “Laura Howe Media” and while it will have design elements on the outside of the box, it will not say “Divorcée.” 😉
When will my box ship?
Your order will be packaged and shipped within 2–3 business days of placing your order.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs will be calculated during checkout and will vary based on the delivery address. We strive to provide a variety of options and the most economical solution.
I live outside of Switzerland. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do! We ship from Switzerland to almost every country in the world. Please note that your country may require customs fees upon the box’s arrival. Dispatched Divorcée is not responsible for these fees; they are the recipient’s sole responsibility.
If you’re in the US, some items are fulfilled by our partner bookstore, Bold Coffee & Books, and will be shipped from Portland, Oregon. (This will save you on shipping costs and waiting time!)
No matter where your order is shipping, costs will vary depending on the destination and are calculated at check-out.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery depends on the destination. If you choose shipping via postal carrier, estimated delivery times from Switzerland are:
| Destination | Estimated shipping time |
| Within Switzerland | 2 days |
| Europe | 2–5 days |
| USA / Canada | 5–7 days |
| Asia and Oceania | 6–14 days |
| South America | 6–20 days |
| All other countries | 6–20 days |
Can I track my order?
Every order comes with tracking. Tracking numbers are sent by email after the package ships. Tracking may be unreliable for international shipments once they leave Switzerland.
My package did not arrive, what do I do?
Oh no! We’re sorry to hear that. If it’s been longer than the estimated shipping time, please contact us with as much information as possible, including your order number. We’re happy to help figure out what happened and how to resolve this.
Collaborations
I have an idea for something to include in your shop! How do I tell you about it?
Amazing! Send us an email with how your product fits into the DD world. We receive mail at: hello@dispatcheddivorcee.com. Please include “Product idea” in the subject line 🙂
Are you open to collaborations?
That is our favorite word. YES! If you’re someone or have a project that’d fit within the DD universe, we’d love to talk with you. Fill out this form here.
I’m looking for a similar gift box for a team or group. Do you offer custom gift boxes for groups?
Yes! We would love to build a custom box for you and your group.
Our services include identifying your group’s needs, finding the right solution to fit your goal and budget, sourcing the perfect items for your theme (at bulk or wholesale pricing), and packaging everything in beautiful wrapping.
We can even ship the boxes directly to your group!
Please send an email to hello@dispatcheddivorcee.com with as much information about what you’re looking for as you can.
- Minimum order: 15 or more boxes
- Pricing: Depends on the number and choice of items or can be based on a predefined budget
- Turnaround time: 2 to 3 months to procure items
And, no, it’s not required for everyone in your group to be divorced to benefit from our services. 🙂 Our goal is to help inspire confidence and build resilience in all people.