The information provided herein is a guide only. Our readers and members should seek professional help from counselors, financial experts and attorneys as needed. The following are for your use to get on top of all the information you will need to manage when finding yourself suddenly single. If you find other helpful tools, please pass them on so we can share them with our readers.

Keep a spreadsheet of your child(ren)'s activities and the associated expenses. This is handy if you are sharing costs with a spouse.

This is a critical document for you to have when you visit a lawyer. Be honest and be thorough so you can know what you need and how you need to budget your monthly expenses. Instructions: enter the amount of monthly or annual expenses that you are responsible for. Tally each column, divide the annual costs by 12, then add to the monthly subtotal. The total is the average amount of cash you need each month to meet yours and your family needs. Review and revise often as you continue to manage your finances.

Nothing magical here, just a spreadsheet to hold a basic list of contacts. Tape this to the inside of your kitchen cabinet for quick access not only for you, but your kids or their sitters. Also write all your kid's name on this sheet for reference. (Jane once babysat for a family and they forgot to tell her the baby's name!)

Use this checklist to think about your priorities and classify their importance to you. This is a good exercise and will provide important information when you talk to your spouse or your lawyer.

This is a Support Payment/Receipt Log to track alimony, child support and reimbursements.