Getting divorced represents a major upheaval in anyone's life, whether you live in New York or anywhere else. Not only is there a legal process to go through, but if a couple has children, they have to be eased through the transition as well. If the kids are young, it may be especially challenging for them to understand what has happened to their parents' relationship.

Dealing with your kids' reactions is just one difficult aspect of splitting from your partner. Even if your marriage was beyond saving, disconnecting from a spouse emotionally and financially is painful. Documents making the arrangement final and permanent can be signed in an instant, but your heart doesn't bounce back quite as quickly.

Friends who socialized with both of you may feel uncomfortable going out with you now that you are alone. You'll have to handle all the household chores and emergencies on your own now. The toughest thing of all may be permanently putting aside all the hopes and dreams you had of a blissful wedded life. Adjusting to being single again is a hard change for anyone to make.

But help and hope are out there. Experts offer some wise guidance for those who are putting the pieces of their lives back together after a divorce.

What you can do to feel better following your divorce

• Give yourself the time, space and permission to mourn your marriage. Don't rush into a new romance on the rebound.
• Keep a journal of your ups, downs and progress toward a new life. Writing everything down can bring clarity to even the murkiest feelings.
• Tell those close to you how you are doing, particularly when things seem bleak. They will want to be there for you.
• Talk to a therapist. That person can provide an objective viewpoint and be a valuable sounding board.
• Get your finances in order. Take a job to pay the bills if you need to.

Navigating single life after a divorce can leave you feeling lonely and overwhelmed. There are professionals who can help you get back on track emotionally, financially and legally.

Getting divorced represents a major upheaval in anyone's life, whether you live in New York or anywhere else. Not only is there a legal process to go through, but if a couple has children, they have to be eased through the transition as well. If the kids are young, it may be especially challenging for them to understand what has happened to their parents' relationship.

Dealing with your kids' reactions is just one difficult aspect of splitting from your partner. Even if your marriage was beyond saving, disconnecting from a spouse emotionally and financially is painful. Documents making the arrangement final and permanent can be signed in an instant, but your heart doesn't bounce back quite as quickly.

Friends who socialized with both of you may feel uncomfortable going out with you now that you are alone. You'll have to handle all the household chores and emergencies on your own now. The toughest thing of all may be permanently putting aside all the hopes and dreams you had of a blissful wedded life. Adjusting to being single again is a hard change for anyone to make.

But help and hope are out there. Experts offer some wise guidance for those who are putting the pieces of their lives back together after a divorce.

What you can do to feel better following your divorce

• Give yourself the time, space and permission to mourn your marriage. Don't rush into a new romance on the rebound.
• Keep a journal of your ups, downs and progress toward a new life. Writing everything down can bring clarity to even the murkiest feelings.
• Tell those close to you how you are doing, particularly when things seem bleak. They will want to be there for you.
• Talk to a therapist. That person can provide an objective viewpoint and be a valuable sounding board.
• Get your finances in order. Take a job to pay the bills if you need to.

Navigating single life after a divorce can leave you feeling lonely and overwhelmed. There are professionals who can help you get back on track emotionally, financially and legally.