Editor’s Note: Robert Stephan Cohen, a partner in Cohen Lans, LLP, is one of the top divorce attorneys in the United States, having just successfully represented Christie Brinkley in her landmark custody battle this summer. Past clients include Uma Thurman, Lorraine Bracco and various Trump wives. He is the author of Reconcilable Differences: 7 Keys to Remaining Together from a Top Matrimonial Lawyer.

At the heart of every divorce lie basic marital differences; most can be fixed, but not all. Here are the five that are fixable. Another time we will talk about the others.

1. Stay connected. This is the basic challenge a couple has to work at, whether too busy or too easily drifting apart. You need to work at staying connected whether it’s daily phone calls, a “date” during the week or making not-so-special occasions a little more special.

2. Yes, tonight dear! Nobody has ever come into my office telling me they want a divorce and, by the way, their sex life with their husband is “great.” Don’t think about whether your sex life is “normal,” but rather work to make it great. Be creative, be prepared to discuss the issue and change old sexual habits which don’t work anymore.  

3. The family that spends together … A prenuptial agreement is fine and a good idea because it forces people to consider finances before they marry. Money is a tough issue for many people I see in my office and it continues to be a bone of contention. Couples where unilateral money decisions are being made are in trouble. You ought to be able to work things out if together you customize your budget and finances to fit your money-management styles.

4. Lock the doors! When couples marry, it is often a bigger merger than either partner imagined, especially when large families are involved. And if one of your families happens to be the meddling type, it’s essential you present a united front about visits and the amount of quality time you spend with them. Having an in-law with a key to your house is a recipe for disaster unless both agree. You need to figure out what works for both of you early on and make your extended families part of that understanding.

5. Roll with the punches. There are some challenges in a marriage that we cannot plan for, for example, the loss of a job, family illness, major relocations. How you and your husband cope with these transitions may determine the durability of your relationship. You may not always agree with how your spouse copes with a crisis, but just make sure he knows you are on his side. Whatever you are going through may be tough, but trust me, so is divorce.

Click here to read Five Ways To Know That Your Husband May Be Looking Elsewhere.