Need practical advice in prep for possible divorce?

So I am trying to work through things with my husband but things have been really bad for a while. I am giving it until next April to decide what to do - we have a big family trip planned but also our counselor recommended that we just go with things and not put a timeframe on things. So I figured at least giving it 8-9 months is fair and I am trying not to think of ending things or anything until then.

At the same time, friends who know we are having a hard time have recommended that I try and think about what I would need to do in the event we DO get divorced. And I am not sure where to start.

I can get more involved in the finances - and in fact the counselor said I should - what else should I do to protect myself and my child in the event we split up?

Again I DO want to give my marriage a shot and I plan on having a positive attitude to do this but I also want to be smart about things....