When Your Spouse Is in Jail or Prison: Marriage, Loneliness and Faith

October 30, 2026

When your husband or wife is incarcerated, you may suddenly be a single parent, the only income, and the one answering every question, while missing your spouse and sometimes feeling betrayed by them. It’s a lonely, complicated place.

Your feelings can be mixed

You may feel love, anger, grief, relief, embarrassment and loneliness all at once. That doesn’t make you a bad spouse or a bad Christian. Bring all of it honestly to God (Psalm 62:8).

Staying connected as a couple

Write regularly about daily life, not just problems.
Pray for each other, and tell each other you do.
Be honest about how you’re really doing, without overwhelming them with what they can’t fix.
Talk about hopes for after release.

Guard your own heart

Loneliness can make you vulnerable. Stay connected to safe friends, your church, and same-gender support. Be wise about emotional closeness with others during this season.

When the marriage is unsafe

If your spouse was violent or abusive, your safety and your children’s safety come first. God does not ask you to stay in danger. Talk with a counselor, a pastor you trust, or call 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788).