Social media has increasingly become a major part of our day-to-day lives. We often turn to social media to express our joys and grievances, sometimes without even thinking about what we are putting out into the world. If you are going through the process of divorce, it is important that you are mindful of your social media use.
What you post on social media can be used as evidence for or against you during your divorce. Your social media use can have a negative effect on the amount of legal fees you pay in your divorce, the amount of spousal maintenance you receive, and even the custody of your children. For example, your posts can be used as evidence of your spending habits, your alcohol or drug use, possible infidelity, and your whereabouts with your children or others.
The following is a list of tips to keep in mind when using social media during your divorce:
- Do not discuss your divorce on social media.
- Wait to change your Facebook status from “married” to “single” until your divorce is final.
- Change your passwords if you previously shared this information with your spouse.
- Do not post anything that speaks poorly about your spouse.
- Avoid commenting on your spouse’s posts.
- Do not post pictures (or allow yourself to be tagged in pictures) of you engaging in potentially inappropriate behaviors.
- Stop and think about what you are communicating before you post anything.
- Don’t actually delete anything from social media, as that could be perceived as destruction of potential electronic evidence.
- Take a break from social media altogether.
To receive more information about how your spouse’s and your activity on social media can affect your divorce, please contact our firm to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney.
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