No one is perfect; we all make mistakes. At no time can this be more evident than when people are going through a difficult situation like a divorce. This is because it can be very easy for two people to point out any and every bad decision, flaw or unwise choice that each other has exhibited during a marriage in an attempt to protect their own interests.

For better or worse, there is nothing that can be done about mistakes from the past except to address them and move forward. However, you can do yourself and your future a big favor by not making certain mistakes as you navigate the divorce process.

The following is a list of some behaviors and decisions that could have serious legal consequences and ultimately jeopardize your divorce settlement, parental rights and post-divorce relationships.

1. Lying about your assets
2. Falsely accusing your ex of domestic abuse or violence
3. Overspending money from joint accounts
4. Getting arrested for drunk driving, drug use or other criminal acts
5. Trying to pit your children against your ex
6. Harassing your ex online or in person 

You may not see these as costly mistakes, but the fact is that they can do extensive damage to your case. Even if your ex forgives you or isn’t bothered by certain behaviors, the courts have a very different perspective and in the end, it is the court’s opinion that can be the most important.

As the author of this Huffington Post explains, getting a divorce does not give you permission to behave in negative, hurtful ways, but it gives people plenty of opportunity to do so. It is undoubtedly a difficult and stressful event that puts strain on everyone involved, making it hard to always think rationally. However, making the effort to avoid mistakes and unwise decisions now can save you a lot of heartache and regret in the future.