Here is another list of red flags that your marriage may be in for some rocky times.  Please realize that these items can only lead to speculation--except for the last item:

• Mid-life crisis adventures;
• Exploring new hobbies;
• Your spouse wants "time away" from each other;
• Your spouse is spending less and scaled down his lifestyle;
• Hiding money and transactions;
• Uncharacteristic cell phone usage;
• Trying to be more attractive;
• Contacting old boyfriends/girlfriends;
• Catching them in the act.

I must admit that these 10 Tips are always applicable to a divorce regardless of whomever starts the proceedings.  Some of these rules are straight forward and common sense in my opinion.  Keeping the process sane for all involved members makes a lot of sense, but people will go to the extremes when in the middle of this brouhaha.  As Ms. McWade outlines:

FOR THE INITIATOR:

1. Realize that you are further along emotionally than your spouse.
2. Remember that rejection is always a negative experience.
3. Anticipate change.
4. Expect conflicting emotions.
5. Allow your children to adjust to the separation for at least a year before introducing them to a new partner.

1. Understand that your spouse has had time to adjust to the idea of divorce, having thought about it long before the announcement was made.
2. Be aware that men and women do divorce differently.
3. Focus on yourself and avoid (as much as you can) getting wrapped up in wondering about how your mate is doing, what she's saying, who he's with, etc.
4. Remember that your children need you.
5. Try not to speak badly of the parent who left.

Notice the parts regarding the children?  If you are going through a divorce, please consider reading and then re-reading those parts.  Then, read them again.

This concept of releasing passwords may seem more foreign now, but it is becoming more frequent as time goes on.  Judges are deciding that passwords to private accounts should be accessible to spouses during divorce proceedings, and the legal fights over them is becoming a point of contention in divorces.

Traystman said Courtney Gallion asked a friend in a text message to change the passwords and delete some of her messages

Traystman then asked for and got an injunction from Shluger barring Courtney Gallion from deleting material and ordered the lawyers to exchange passwords for both spouses so they could conduct discovery.

As a friendly reminder: always be mindful when using computers and online services.

The basic question raised and argued in this article is even more relevant today. Is splitting time evenly between both parents in the best interests of the child?

From the article:

Co-parenting is based on a different assumption, which is usually referred to as the best interests of the child doctrine. This doctrine is interpreted in many courts to mean that children--including very young children--develop most healthily if they spend approximately equal amounts of time with each parent. Several state courts have even ruled that the tender years doctrine violates fathers' constitutional rights. These rulings have resulted in more movement toward co-parenting. As a result, it is not unusual today to find children as young as two (or even younger) splitting their time about fifty-fifty with their fathers and mothers. Is this a good thing?

You can find the entire article here.

Anyone who has spent time in this field knows that "the end" isn't always the end of a marriage. This article covers a study that supports that position.

From the article:

According to one new study, a significant number of divorcing parents were open to saving their marriage and would even try professional reconciliation services -- despite having already filed for divorce.

The report, released in late September, surveyed nearly 2,500 divorcing couples with children. Participants were asked, "Even at this point, do you think your divorce could be prevented if one or both of you works hard to save the marriage?" They were also asked to respond "yes," "no" or "maybe" to the following statement: "If the court offered a reconciliation service, I would seriously consider trying it."

You can find the entire article here.