Getting a divorce has always been a complex process. Social media has not made it any easier.
What a person posts online can affect their lives in ways they might not have anticipated. If you’re planning on divorcing your spouse or you’re already involved in divorce proceedings, pasting the wrong content online may result in negative consequences.
One of the best ways to avoid such consequences is to enlist the help of a qualified divorce lawyer. They can explain to you why using social media when getting a divorce may be a bad idea.
In the meantime, though, social media mistakes you should avoid making when divorcing your spouse include:
Posting Negative Content or ‘Rants’ About Your Spouse
It can be tempting to vent when you’re divorcing a spouse who you believe has mistreated you. Perhaps you have a genuine reason to be angry with them, and you want people to know it.
This is understandable. However, “trashing” your soon-to-be ex on social media may backfire on you. This is particularly true if you have children.
Maybe you and your spouse are currently fighting for custody. If the court discovers you’re the type of person who is prone to angrily ranting online, a judge might question whether you’re fit to take care of your children.
Sharing pictures of parties, purchases, etc.
There are several reasons you should refrain from posting images of yourself partying, vacationing, enjoying lavish purchases, or otherwise “living it up” on social media before your divorce has been finalized.
This is another instance in which your social media behavior can impact whether you get custody of your children. If you post images in which you can be seen partying, drinking, and maybe even using drugs, the court certainly won’t be inclined to side with you in custody battles if your spouse otherwise appears to party and engage in similar activities less often.
Even if you don’t have children, sharing images or content indicating you’ve made big purchases or have taken costly trips while getting a divorce might affect alimony. Or, it could give the judge reason to suspect you’ve been hiding assets.
Contradicting yourself
Social media is such an ingrained element of many of our lives that you might find it difficult to avoid it entirely when getting a divorce. That said, it’s best to exercise discipline and limit your social media usage until your marriage is officially over.
This is because it’s possible to accidentally post seemingly innocuous content that actually contradicts something you said in court. For example, maybe you indicated to the court that you were at home and asleep at a certain time and date. However, perhaps you post content suggesting you were out somewhere else at that time. This tells the court you’re willing to lie.
Just remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list of the various types of mistakes you could potentially make on social media when getting a divorce. Your attorney can answer any more questions you may have about this subject.
Salt Lake City divorce lawyerEmy A. Cordano thoroughly understands the manner in which social media can complicate what is already a complex life experience. She’s on hand to help you navigate these circumstances more easily. Learn more about what she can do for you by contacting our firm online or calling us at (801) 901-8159.