Getting a divorce is a critical legal step that must be completed in a compliant and efficient way. But given the importance of this legal step (and the process it follows) it is inevitable that mistakes will come about. Common ones in the world of divorce can cause a lot of troubling for splitting spouse, so today let’s talk about some of these common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

One mistake that everyone probably knows all too well is getting upset and emotional during the divorce process. This can lead to a spouse getting mad or arguing with their soon-to-be-ex, which can not only hamper negotiations, it can also create legal problems for you. For example, if you let your anger get to you and you post about it on social media, your spouse could use your social media activity as evidence against you during divorce proceedings.

Another mistake is in regards to finances. You should never lie about your financial situation or manipulate your financial information to try to benefit yourself in a divorce. You also need to consider the tax implications of your divorce.

Last but not least, remember that when you are dealing with a divorce that negotiation is a crucial component to the process. You need to pick your battles. Not every issue on the table is worth fighting for. In fact, contesting every aspect of your divorce will not only be very draining for you personally, but it also is unlikely to make the divorce process efficient.

Source: Huffington Post, “7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce or Separation,” Cheryl and Joe Dillon, Oct. 28, 2014