If you've decided to file for divorce, you want to avoid as many problems as possible. Unfortunately, some of the things you do before – and during – your divorce can end up taking a big bite out of you. Before you file for divorce, here are three mistakes you should avoid at all costs.

Using Social Media

Your friends and family know that you're upset. Opening up on social media sites will ensure that your spouse – and their attorney – will know it too. Unfortunately, in this digital age, both sides can access just about everything that's posted on social media. That means your spouse will be able to use every one of your negative posts against you in the trial. If you've written derogatory comments, or threats against them – even if you didn't mean them – you can bet that your spouse's attorney has copies of them. For your own sake, avoid posting negative comments about your spouse on social media.

Emptying Joint Bank Accounts

If you're thinking about emptying the joint bank accounts to protect your assets – or get back at your spouse – don't. Those assets belong to both of you. Whether you like it or not, removing those assets can, and probably will, land you in a lot of legal trouble. This is particularly true if you spend all the money in your joint accounts. To protect your assets, ask the bank to give you a printout of the account totals. Then, open an account in your name and have half the money transferred into your new account. Obtain a printout of that transfer. Give a copy of both printouts to your attorney. This will allow the judge to see that you withdrew only the amount that you were legally entitled to.

Failing to Copy Important Documents

Before you file for divorce, make copies of all your important documents. It will be extremely difficult to get copies of those documents once one of you moves out of the marital house. Your attorney is going to need access to all those documents when it comes time to negotiate a divorce settlement. Some of the copies you'll need include the following:

• Bank statements
• Life insurance policies
• Real estate holdings
• Mortgage papers
• Retirement accounts
• Investment portfolios
• Tax returns

Now that you're considering divorce, don't take chances. Use the information provided above to avoid mistakes that could cause you problems during the negotiations. Talk to an attorney, such as those at Bergermann Law Firm, about other actions you should avoid during the divorce.