Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most taxing experiences a person can go through. It’s a period defined by a "fog" of heavy emotions and complex logistics. If you’ve reached the point where you’re saying, "I want to divorce," the road ahead can feel like a maze.

Never use children as messengers or sounding boards for your frustrations. They need to feel that it is safe to love both parents without guilt.

To help you find your footing, here are three essential tips to guide you through the initial stages of the process. 1. Shift from Emotional to Strategic Thinking