1. Retain a paralegal service to prepare the Court document. This can save you money. That's what I did and the cost is nothing in comparison to an attorney.

2. Make the decision not to fight and stick to it.

3. Keep a record of all expenses. This helps resolve any discrepancies that come up when negotiating a settlement.

4. If you chose to hire an attorney, use the attorney appropriately. Don't use your attorney as a therapist - they're not qualified and they'll charge twice as much. Not to mention, they really don't care. Its all about the bottom dollar for them. Hire a real therapist.

5. Take a class to improve yourself, learn to cook (if you’re a man), sew, change your own oil, how to use a computer, and even parenting classes can help.

6. Learn to live within a budget.

7. Settle for more. Mediate, don’t litigate.

8. Get a job. Some women are stay at home Mom’s. Its better to have an income of your own rather than relying on someone else.

9. Save Money. This isn’t always the easiest thing but every little bit helps.

10. Establish credit, especially if everything you have are joint accounts.
 
11. Notify all bankers and credit card companies.

12. Open a checking account of your own.

13. Keep a journal of all expenses with receipts, especially kid's.

14. Make copies of all records detailing your finances (3 years is suggested).

15. And last but not least, Line up your support system - family, friends, people at your church, or support groups.