Women currently knee-deep in the Pasadena divorce process have undoubtedly been warned of crucial mistakes to avoid while divorcing. Every law firm, neighbor and magazine has some sage words on what women should and shouldn't do while leaving a spouse. Last week, Forbes threw its hat in the advice ring and released its own list of five mistakes divorcing women should avoid.
Jeff Landers of Forbes.com has written about divorce specifically for women over last the year and he has now come up with five costly mistakes that could seriously hurt a woman's divorce. At number 5 on the list is shopping. Landers says although shopping is viewed as therapeutic, big spending can really mess up the cash flow during a divorce.
"Sure, once your divorce is final, and you have established a financial plan so you know how much money you can safely spend, you can shop to your heart's content (provided you stay within your budget)," Landers writes. "But, until then, proceed with caution."
Number 4 on his list? Snooping. Landers warns divorcing women looking for trouble in their ex's past will find it - and most likely wind up in trouble themselves. Before wiretapping or using GPS to track an ex, he says to "err on the side of caution" and consult an attorney.
And divorce attorneys in Pasadena have seen women make Landers' mistake No. 3 - dating - too many times to count. Dating and serious relationships during a divorce can potentially jeopardize a case, including custody arrangements and financial settlements. We agree with Landers on this one. Wait until the ink is dry on the divorce papers before you start dating.
Topping Landers' list are social media and texting at spot Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. He cautions women, as we often do, that Facebook and texting are hotbeds for divorce case evidence and any false move is bound to come back to wreak havoc.