Tips for Coping During a Divorce

Try these tips for less stress and more peace as you move forward through the divorce process.

• Educate yourself. Learn how divorce works in your state. Research legal aid organizations. Ask for advice from trusted friends who've been through a divorce.
• Have a plan. Start by making a to-do list that covers areas like finances, homes, boundaries, and children. Break down the areas into small steps.
• Consider mediation. For some couples, mediation can be more peaceful and lead to better communication than when lawyers are used. Plus, it can be cheaper, quicker, and less stressful.
• Put your children first (if you have children). This can be hard. But your kids will do better if you keep the focus on what's best for them.
• Communicate and cooperate. Do your best not to say bad things about each other. Talk when you're calm and use notes. If things get heated, call a "time-out."
• Let the relationship change. Let go of old patterns. Agree to disagree. And keep the focus on what's really important.
• Take care of you. Be kind to yourself. Pay attention to the things that bring you joy and do more of those things.