Our modern-day lifestyles are almost inextricably tied to social media—Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram—and many of those who are considering divorce have at least one active social network account. Since most research has indicated that the quality of a marriage decreases as social media use increases, it really should come as no surprise that social media can also significantly impact the divorce process as well.
Even if you are in the very beginning stages of a divorce, it is extremely important that you avoid talking about your impending divorce on social media. This means not disparaging your partner on social media or using your Facebook page to “vent” about your relationship.
Avoid Posts About Your Divorce
If you need to talk about your partner and your divorce, make sure you do your confiding in a trusted friend or loved one, or even a counselor or therapist, rather than on social media. Disregarding this advice could result in a more difficult divorce, as well as having the things you posted used against you in the divorce.
Even if you believe your divorce will be one of the amicable ones, take some initial precautions regarding your social media accounts. Take a look at your past posts and remove any which seem the least bit negative, mean-spirited or risqué. Then lock down your privacy settings and remove anyone you feel might later act as a “spy” for your spouse by stalking your social media accounts.
Check Privacy Settings Carefully and Remove any “Questionable” Friends
If you are in the middle of your divorce, remember that everything you post on social media could potentially be used against you later on. Because of this, check your privacy settings carefully and go through your “friends” list, removing any questionable people. If you can, it is better to avoid social media altogether while you are in the midst of a divorce.
If you simply cannot go cold turkey, avoid any mention of your divorce, including asset division, child custody issues and spousal support. If you or your spouse typically post photos of your children on social media—even if it has never been an issue prior to the divorce—you may want to consider including an agreement in your divorce decree regarding child-related media posts.
In addition to avoiding social media during your divorce, there are some things you should keep in mind.
- Blocking your ex won’t prevent them from seeing your posts through a mutual friend
- Social media posts and pics can help prove hidden assets
- Social media posts can be used to reduce spousal support
- Email and text are admissible in court
Contact Our Lawyers Today
If you have questions regarding your divorce, child custody arrangement, parenting plan, or timesharing schedule, we are ready and willing to help. Our experienced West Palm Beach divorce lawyers are ready to help you through this difficult time. We can answer all your questions and help your divorce progress quickly and efficiently.
Contact the Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. at (561) 677-8090 or fill out our contact form for a confidential initial consultation and review of your case. We can help you through all of life’s ups and downs and protect your future every step of the way.