Legal Eagle

Close Shop, Move On

"I didn't mean to drop that cyanide tablet in her new boyfriend's drink," he said.

There are many unhealthy ways to deal with the emotional ramifications of a divorce. Instead of using all that energy in a negative way, try to channel it into the process of transforming yourself through the transition. The best way to do this is to develop a plan to help lead you through the jungle of feelings before you wind up in an emotional quicksand. Buy a journal and get started now:

Document the Past

The Offspring

Like every other component of your divorce, there is both a business and emotional challenge in dealing with children during the process. Often in divorce, younger children become a bartering tool, and their well-being gets lost in the game of tug-of-war. Older children, even those far from the nest, often experience a huge emotional rollercoaster, and sometimes their views on their own relationships are affected.

Legal Eagle

Starting your divorce process without legal counsel is like biking without a helmet or going to a movie without popcorn -- people do it, but it seems a little risky. Always have initial consultations with a lawyer. However, there are ways to avoid ugly court trials by utilizing either mediation or arbitration.

Mediation