Social media is incredibly ubiquitous these days and, for many, it is a necessary part of everyday life due to its unique ability to keep people connected. However, if you are going through a divorce, you might want to consider taking a temporary hiatus until the process is finalized. The information you share online, no matter how benign it might seem, can serve as evidence against you in court, jeopardizing your ability to secure the divorce settlement you are seeking.
Understanding the Dangers of Social Media
It might seem harmless to share a photo or use the check-in feature to let your friends know where you are spending the evening, but all of your online activities can potentially provide a lot of information regarding your lifestyle and spending habits. If you claim that you cannot afford child support payments, but your social media posts tell a different story, you will seem dishonest. The last thing you want is to lose your credibility in court.
Even if you already unadded or blocked your spouse online and increased your privacy settings, this does not necessarily mean your posts are safe. You likely have some mutual friends and you cannot know for sure where their loyalties lie. They might relay your posts to your spouse, putting you in a terrible position in court, depending on the content.
That said, not everyone can cut social media out of their lives entirely, especially if they rely on this form of networking for work. If you continue using social media, consider the following tips:
- Do not post pictures of yourself, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Even if you were just having a glass of wine to make a toast at a special event, it might be taken out of context to tell a story about your drinking habits, which might impact your custody arrangement.
- Do not post about your purchases, whether it be a vacation, clothes, or expensive dining experiences.
- Do not make posts that suggest you are in a new relationship.
- Do not rant about your divorce or your spouse. You should particularly avoid badmouthing your spouse if you share children. A judge might think you are an uncooperative co-parent, which will impact custody and visitation.
If you are unsure of a post, err on the side of caution and do not post it. No social media is worth derailing your divorce case.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Divorce Attorney Today!
If you are getting a divorce, you need knowledgeable representation on your side. At the Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher, our team has more than 30 years of legal experience in both state and federal court, so you can feel confident in choosing to work with us on this delicate legal matter. We understand how difficult this process can be for families, which is why we are committed to providing comprehensive and simple solutions in a timely fashion.
Get started on your case today and reach out to our law firm at (270) 783-8311 to set up a free initial consultation.