The divorce process can be stressful and challenging when there are contested issues in your case. Many people going through a divorce will turn to friends and family — and it is certainly reasonable to seek out help when you need it.
Given the ongoing pandemic, there’s an even greater likelihood that you may turn to social media to vent or to find support during your divorce. But, there are some things to keep in mind.
Lie Low Online
When you log in, remember that staying neutral in your posts or even completely avoiding social media could be one of the best decisions you make during your divorce.
The best advice when it comes to marital assets is to keep a low profile. If you are seeking maintenance or alimony, you would not want to post in ways that suggest that you do not need financial assistance from your spouse. If you are self-employed, bragging about a big job may come back to bite you when you are asserting a lower level of annual income. Some people boast in this way with the hope that their spouse will see it to make them jealous. It usually doesn’t work that way when played back in court. If you have children and custody and placement is an issue in your case you need to be especially careful about what you post.
Social media can be a revealing repository of one’s life and choices, and it is pretty much a certainty that the other side will look there for ammunition to use against you. Anything posted on social media that is relevant to the issues in your case could end up as an exhibit at trial. One of the first questions I ask in an interview is “Is your spouse on Facebook?”
Remember What Can Be Used Against You
Keep in mind that photos, text posts and check-ins could all potentially put you in a negative light. For example, your page could show that your location is not at a child-friendly establishment when you are with your children or that activities you have chosen or people you are associating with suggest that you are making poor custodial decisions. If custody or placement is contested in your case, the last thing you want is to be second-guessed about custodial decisions you have made that are publicly viewable!
Photos you post and that friends tag you in can also reveal undisclosed assets or recent purchases that may present issues in your case.
Thinking twice about how you participate — or whether to participate — in the fast-paced world of social media is crucial while going through a divorce. Make good decisions when you log on and your case will go better for you in the long run!