Debrett's has published a book on how to behave during a divorce.
The idea is to assist emotionally distraught couples in maintaining decorum in the midst of their battles over custody and cash.
The chroniclers of British society since the late 1700s has teamed up with divorce lawyers Mishcon de Reya for the publication.
Debrett's Guide to Civilised Separation provides tips on how to break the news to friends and colleagues and information on the process of divorce.
Throwing your husband's vintage wine collection down the loo or cutting his suits to shreds might seem like a therapeutic gesture when you're in the throes of rage and despair, but it can rebound on you and undermine your case, the book advises.
It also warns about becoming a divorce bore as you risk being struck off the dinner-party guest list.
Being relentlessly polite and civilised will defuse any fall-out from the split.
The book advises friendly Christmas cards to in-laws and estranged friends and urges people to take a minder to events attended by the ex.
The minder is to monitor their behaviour, alcohol intake and emotions.
