Divorce, Unlike Marriage, Is FOREVER When There Are Kids
Unless you really wish to lose your position as a parent (which is THE hardest on kids), you will have family occasions, graduations, shared holidays, christenings, weddings and funerals that will continually bring you together over the years. Those knots in your stomach at shared public events— especially in the beginning— are known only to others who have been through divorce. No one else has a clue. Approaching your ex first with a friendly word at such events puts everyone else at ease and is a worthwhile practice. And with practice— and some history— you may find those stomach knots actually loosening. Mortal enemies have been known to actually become friends— sometimes good friends— and many find they can be kind of comfortable "cousins."

If You Don't Hate Your Exiting Spouse When You First Separate, You Will Within 3 Months to 3 Years
It's next to impossible to skip this one though it always seems to come as a surprise. Why, I'm not sure. Now you both have different agendas and no way will your priorities (usually money concerns or kid issues) be the same as your ex's. It's okay — and sometimes even important — to be angry with your ex (for a certain amount of time— not forever) but it's not okay to share or show that anger with your children or in front of your children. Not easy, but for their mental health, their need for a safe haven and their need to love both parents, you've got to keep these volatile feelings to yourself...or limit them to your therapist or support group.