Why You Should Avoid Social Media During a Divorce

Perhaps the worst thing that you can do during a divorce is remain active on a social media account. This is because anything that you post could be used as evidence in a divorce or child custody hearing. Let’s look at some specific pitfalls associated with posting content to an online platform while a divorce case is ongoing.

Your Friends or Family Members Could Share Content

You may believe that your partner won’t be able to see anything that you’ve posted because that person has been blocked from your contacts list. However, your spouse may be able to see content that has been shared by a friend, family member or colleague. It is also possible that your former spouse’s legal counsel could see a post and use it against you in court.

It Could Contradict Statements Made in Court

Even if a post isn’t offensive or inflammatory toward another person, it could still complicate your divorce or custody cases. For example, posting pictures from a recent cruise could indicate that you are hiding assets or trying to downplay your financial status. Posting pictures of another romantic partner could raise concerns that you aren’t fit to spend time alone with your children. Working with professional law firm services providers may help you better understand what you should or shouldn’t say in public during a divorce.

You Might Put Your Children in the Middle of a Dispute

If you are friends with your children on social media or other online forums, it may be best to refrain from posting on them to preserve their privacy. It is possible that your child’s other parent won’t take kindly to sharing photos or videos that they have posted. In some cases, this could lead to arguments in a comments section where the child could see them.

You Could Get Into a Fight with Your Former Partner

Perhaps the best reason to not use social media during a divorce is that you could get into an altercation with the person who you’re divorcing. Ideally, you will remain polite, composed and cordial whenever you interact with this person. In some cases, even a few choice words could make it harder to get a favorable settlement. It is always a good idea to say as little as possible when going through a legal matter. Instead of posting on social media, it may be best to let your attorney make statements on your behalf. This can help to balance the need to be forthcoming with the desire to maintain your privacy.