Let's get comfortable about an uncomfortable topic: Divorce. It's a harsh reality for many and serious financial issues need to be dealt with -- and dealt with unemotionally -- says The Divorce Survival Guide of the Institute for Certified Divorce Planners [1].

The relatively new designation of Certified Divorce Planner covers a group of financial planners, accountants and lawyers with special training in the monetary aspects of divorce [2]. Dividing the assets of a marriage [3] is not easy, and experts at the institute say you'll probably be better off with professional help to counteract the emotional response of the people involved.

They'll help you find a specialist in your area and give some basic advice about the pitfalls you may encounter in your divorce [2]. Make sure to read the "10 Common Mistakes" page, which will alert you to problems others have had in dealing with the financial aspects of divorce [2].

Pay close attention to things such as the defined benefit retirement [4] plans -- if one partner has been working and the other has not, it will take some careful work [5] to divide those benefits equally. And as with many financial issues, taxes [6] play a key role when you are dividing assets -- remember you may face capital gains taxes [6] if you sell property in order to split the profit.

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Ten reasons why you need a will [7].