Posts on Social Media Can Be Used Against You in a Divorce

 Posted on February 08, 2023 in Divorce

Talking about your divorce on social media should really be off-limits. Remember that anything you share online could somehow wind up in the hands of your soon-to-be-ex and could easily be used against you during the divorce proceedings. In fact, Facebook is the main source of online divorce evidence, according to 66 percent of attorneys surveyed by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The last thing you should do is post photos of you and your new partner on vacation. It is best to post nothing about the divorce to avoid additional conflict and legal consequences.  

Stay Away From Social Media 

Plainly put, do not do it! Stop using social media until after the divorce is finalized. If you are unable or unwilling to do that, only post positive affirmations. Do not do anything that could jeopardize your negotiations or increase conflict. It is best not to discuss your case online. Even if you and your spouse are on friendly terms, do not share details of the negotiations on social media. 

Make sure you change your privacy settings to the highest levels and that your friends do not tag you in their posts. Remove your relationship status on Facebook and unfriend those who may engage in harassing or cyber-stalking behavior.

What Not to Post on Social Media During a Divorce

If social media happens to be a part of your daily life and you simply cannot break away from it, here are some key issues to avoid if you are actively posting during the divorce:

• Do not vent on social media, especially when you are upset. Do not post anything negative about the other parent that could provoke retaliation. If you want an amicable divorce especially if there are children involved, do not bad mouth your spouse.
• You should make sure that other family members do not attack your spouse either.
• Do not dig for dirt about your spouse by asking friends to provide negative information about your spouse. Even if you send private messages to a friend or family member, the information you share could make its way to your spouse and their attorney.
• Do not post anything that could affect how you are perceived as a parent, such as drinking with friends to relieve the stress of the divorce. It could call into question your ability to care for your children.
• Do not talk about your finances on social media. Keep in mind that during the divorce proceedings issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, and child support will need to be flushed out. Lavish vacation photos could raise questions about your income.

Contact a Denton County Divorce Lawyer

If you are getting a divorce in this digital age, you need a skilled Texas divorce attorney who understands how social media can complicate a divorce and the types of evidence that may play a role in court proceedings. At The Law Office of Linda Risinger, we have more than four decades of combined experience in multiple types of divorce and can address the use of social media during a divorce. Call 972-294-6533 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/facebook_is_unrivaled_leader_for_online_divorce_evidence_survey_says