William H. Hunt is an attorney with Hunt & Cook, L.L.C., in Westlake, Ohio. He can be reached at (440) 892-0400 and through the firm’s website www.huntcooklaw.com.

Dos

DO whatever it takes for you to feel good about yourself.
DO identify what is REALLY important to you. Then set goals and make plans for the future.
DO accept the support of your family and friends.
DO maintain your relationships with friends.
DO adopt a conservative economic/financial outlook.
DO look for opportunities to save money.
DO look for ways to get along with your ex-spouse.
DO look for positive ways to move on with your life.
DO carefully select your professional advisors: attorney, psychologist, financial advisor.
DO look for positive ways to restructure your family.

Don’ts

DON'T look for fault in your spouse or yourself.
DON'T make any BIG decisions for now.
DON'T make large financial commitments if you can help it.
DON'T harbor ill-will against your ex-spouse or anyone else.
DON'T fret about the rest of your life. Take it one day at a time.
DON'T rely too heavily on the advice of family, friends and acquaintances. Their experience is not your experience.
DON'T assume the worst. It has a tendency to self-fulfilling prophecy.