I've worked with divorced couples.  It can work out just fine, as long as they aren't fighting over who claims dependents.  My experience has been both will return for first year or two then one usually decides to go elsewhere.  I make sure there is no chance of them being at my office on the same day.

Your guess is right, no magical way to transition the spouse to a new return.

I also wish there was a way to check a box on parent's return to create a return for a dependent.  Maybe after the form Ironman has been wishing for becomes available.