Five Ways To Go Broke In A Divorce™

- Dan Taylor is the creator of The Equitable Distribution Solution™ and the founder of The Divorce Mediation Program™.

As someone who has worked through the finances of dozens of divorce situations over the years, I've made a few observations about what works and what doesn't work in the money area. One thing is crystal clear: A lot of mountains could have remained simple molehills if common sense prevailed. Here's a list of things I've most commonly seen in divorce cases; things to do if you, too, want to go broke as a result of your divorce.

1. Hire The Meanest, Most Expensive, Unavailable Lawyer.

This strategy fuels all the rage necessary to eat up all the money, time and other badly needed resources. It is the emotional equivalent of eating a five-pound bag of sugar: you'll get a great burst of energy, but later, an awful residual headache. Instead, hire someone who has great negotiation skills, a good sense of finances and who is successful enough to not view you as the Full Employment Act.

2. Resolve To Take Him/Her To The Cleaners.

This rivals the best of stupid pet tricks for people. Since it's only logical that two households will live on less than one on the same income, taking someone to the cleaners guarantees you'll both be washed down the drain. Figure out what's fair or get someone to help you. Golf clubs, dining rooms, and tea sets were never meant to be divided in half.

3. Enter Into a Custody Battle.

This is a guaranteed $15,000+ legal bill with just the normal run of the mill unfit parent allegations. Throw in charges of abuse, neglect, or disinterest on the part of either party and the resulting bill could pay private school tuition for most of middle school. The person you beat up today is the same person who will have your children every weekend for the next 20 years. No matter how much you hate the other person, most kids come pre-wired with a need to get along with the people who brought them here. If you can't do this, then plan on spending three times in therapy or rehab what you spent on the custody battle.

4. Finance Anything With The New Boyfriend/Girlfriend.

Next to having zits in seventh grade, divorce may be the loneliest time in your life. Try to avoid exchanging your money for attention, admiration or affection. For true, lasting devotion, get a dog.

5. Eat, Drink, Or Shop Your Misery Away.

At some point in the divorce process you'll have to stop long enough to acknowledge you've been wounded. Make sure that numbness doesn't cost you a fortune. Slow down, stop, and quit anesthetizing yourself with temporary pain relief. Find a friend, therapist or cause to channel your energy and anxiety through.

There is a financial life after divorce. But the difference between a good life and something from the X-Files all depends on keeping your head and using some common sense. Remember: success is the best revenge.