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1. Start with a good marriage counselor. If not marriage counseling, go at least for yourself. A divorce should be a last step, rather than a first step. There are three reasons to go into counseling. The first reason is to see if the marriage can be saved. The second reason is to build a support system for yourself. The third reason is to make sure you know everything you can about yourself, so that you will not make the same mistake and marry the same type of person again and again.

2. Whether you are a husband or wife, it is important to know as much as possible about family finances. Obtain copies of tax returns, investment accounts, bank statements, checking accounts, and credit card statements. Know what your mortgage balance is. Remember, the more you know about your family finances, including trying to list assets and liabilities, the better off you are in the event that a divorce occurs.

via Henry Gornbein: Ten Steps for Anyone to Consider Before Filing for Divorce.