The decision to divorce is excruciating, and as we have seen recently with celebrities and supermodels, it’s not uncommon for couples to file and then reconcile. Supermodel Stephanie Seymour and publishing tycoon Peter Brant decided, after months of contentious court battles, accusations and millions of dollars in legal fees, to try and make their marriage work. They are not alone in the celebrity world of indecision with public figures like Larry King and Shawn Southwick who filed for divorce in April and halted the proceedings one month later.

The purpose and need for life insurance doesn't go away when couples split up. Life insurance can provide the resources to raise children when one or both parents die, and it can replace spousal support that a deceased ex would have paid to the lower-earning party in a divorce. Continuation of life insurance is often an element in court orders and settlement agreements in divorce proceedings.

Divorce isn't easy for women or men. If you are dating a man who is going through a divorce, you can suffer right along with him. You might be able to help him if you understand some of what he is experiencing and by possibly giving him some advice. This can help him out and might smooth your relationship, too. Similarly, if you have a male friend who is going through a divorce, he might welcome some friendly advice.

Historically, in the interest of protecting children in a marriage, the courts have favored women when a couple seeks a divorce. As advocacy for men's rights has grown, more and more family courts are recognizing that marriage is a partnership and that when that partnership dissolves as a result of divorce, the parties need to be viewed as equals, resulting in a divorce agreement that doesn't deny the rights of either party.

The desire to discover new passions is usually influenced by major changes in life. Retirement, marriage, birth and divorce are all life-changing events in which new passions may become nurtured. Divorce can inspire a person to rediscover and pursue a dormant passion that was not supported by their ex-spouse, like landscaping or jogging, or discover a new passion. Not all people have activities they are passionate about; yet they feel something is missing in their lives. Activities that a divorcing couple was passionate about together may not carry the same passion individually as it did when they were together. In these cases, a person may be at loss about how to discover new passions. Thankfully, discovering new passions is possible. With a little openness, adventure and fun, any one can discover new passions that bring joy to life.

When I was visiting my hometown last month, I ran into my friend Kelli, whom I hadn't seen for a couple of years. We were catching up on all that has happened since we last got together when the conversation quickly turned to divorce. "Has it started happening to you?" she asked. "Has what started happening?" I asked. "The divorce epidemic," she replied. Kelli and her husband are perfectly matched and have two handsome boys. But she noticed that as she neared her 40s, divorces among her friends were popping up like teenage acne.

No one is immune to the trials and tribulations that life throws at you. Even those individuals that appear to have the perfect life will have their fair share of ups and downs. It may feel like you are the only person going through what you are going through, but I guarantee there is always someone out there that would jump at the opportunity to trade places with you. Keep in mind that everything is relative to how you are experiencing it. You may be out of work and looking for a new job, while someone else would give anything to get out of their current job situation and have a clean slate to create whatever they desire.

Just as you would prepare yourself for a natural disaster, being organized during the divorce transition can ease challenges. While it is impossible to prepare and predict what a divorce process will bring, you can certainly reduce the stress, anxiety and chaos by engaging in some of the suggestions listed below.

One of the most common challenges in divorce can be the loss of one's social network. Some friends and family are supportive, others have the best intentions (yet are unhelpful), and many seem to simply vanish from one's life. The loss of friends and family during this transition can add to the stress already being experienced. Many find the necessity to reach out and make new friends yet find the task daunting. Here are some helpful tips on how develop new friendships during separation, divorce and beyond:

The breakup of their parents' marriage can frighten and confuse children, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This difficult time may devastate children of all ages and threaten their sense of security. Whether you and your husband decide to try a trial separation or file for divorce, helping the children adjust requires effort and consideration. Depending on their ages and personalities, your children may require more than a little help with this life-changing event.