15 Common Divorce Mistakes

Not waiting for social security benefits

Social Security entitles a divorced person married for 10 years or more full spousal and survivor benefits, while one married less than 10 years is entitled to none. "If you're in that nine year area and you're kissing ten, I think carefully," says Briles. Waiting to break your nuptial agreement until you're eligible for your spouse's social security benefits could be the difference between being financially secure and being strapped for cash. This doesn't mean that you're stuck together. Move out and move on, but wait to address legalities until you're entitled to social security.