Today

• Don't panic - best decisions are made with a cool, calm head • Sit down, relax, and read the divorce papers several times. • Don't call your spouse in anger - no contact is best for now. • Read up on divorce - knowledge always helps take the fear away. • When you finish the above steps, take a short break and then read all of the divorce papers again until you thoroughly understand what is ahead. • If you have children, do not draw them into the conflict. This is best for your children and will put you in the best position to win custody. • You have 20 days from the date you received the summons to send an answer. • If possible, take tomorrow off and devote some thought to the situation.

Tomorrow

• You must decide if you will represent yourself or hire an divorce attorney. • If you want an attorney, start calling and find one that you like. • If you are a do-it-yourself person, continue to read about divorce for 7 more days. You have almost two weeks to act and you must become well informed. • Review the location and amount of all your assets. If possible, remove money from the bank and put it in a place of security. Do not deprive your spouse of necessary funds to live on. That could backfire on you. • Review your credit cards and any other sources of credit. If possible, cancel cards that are joint accounts or remove your spouse's name from the card. • Speed is your best tool - be thorough and act today. • Go into conservation mode and build a rainy day fund. You may soon need it. • Begin to collect all records of assets, amounts owed, property, deeds, and family business records. If you are in the marital home, keep the records in a more secure place, like with a trusted friend. • Call the IRS to find out how to request copies of the last 5 years of tax returns - if you don't already have them.

Next Day

• Continue your education. This is one of the biggest and most important projects of your life. Read books and attend seminars. Become an expert. • Make a financial plan or a household budget for the next 12 months. Don't spend unnecessary money. • Get a notebook and a holder for paperwork. Set up a central collection point for all the information you gather during your divorce. Keep a detailed diary and jot down anything you learn from your educational efforts.