For many, social media has become a primary means of connecting with others. In some cases, people use their social media accounts to maintain friendships, share special news and get advice or recommendations from people. Other people use it as a platform for venting frustrations and gossiping. If you fall into that second category and are going through a divorce, you should be very careful about what you are posting on social media. In some cases, it can and will be used against you during your divorce proceedings. You should speak with your attorney about how to act on social media.
Your attorney will understand your need for social support, but will also understand the potential ramifications of public speech during a contentious divorce. Getting guidance can help you avoid mistakes that could cause issues with your asset division or child custody proceedings. It’s important to remember that protection of free speech does not mean that you are free from consequences due to your speech, including things you say and share on social media. Sharing too much or displaying your anger online could cause a lot of issues.
Important considerations about social media during a divorce
Talking about the issues from your marriage to a closed group or via private message could cause issues. Your social media friends may want to help your former spouse, so personal conversations may not be private. Also, your public wall or even the comments on your post or someone else’s post could cause issues, if it gets viewed by your former spouse, his or her attorney or friends who are keeping track of your online behavior for your former spouse.
Anything disparaging could help an attorney show that you’re trying to damage your former spouse’s reputation via social media. Conversely, discussing your anger in a way that seems threatening, such as publicly wishing ill on your former spouse, could provide fodder for a protective order or claims of abuse during the marriage.
Similarly, if you are refusing to pay child support but sharing posts that show you spending money at a bar or out for dinner with your new lover, if could become evidence for child support enforcement. Sharing evidence of infidelity or sharing your most negative thoughts online can have an impact on your divorce and the overall outcome.
An attorney can help you avoid social media mistakes
Your attorney can advise you on the best practices for social media use during a contentious divorce. Don’t risk impacting your custody case or the division of assets by speaking too bluntly or openly online.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001