Navigating Social Media And Divorce
Social media and electronic communication are everywhere in our lives. We use them so much that we often forget how they could hurt us during a divorce. Many people don’t realize that lawyers could use their online posts against them in court.
It’s important to know that social media messages, photos and posts can be used as evidence in your divorce case. This includes things you’ve deleted. Your online activity could affect how the court divides your property or decides who gets custody of your children.
If you’re going through a divorce, you need to be very careful about what you post online. When you’re not sure if something is okay to share, it’s best to ask your divorce lawyer first. They can help you avoid mistakes that could harm your case.
Social Media Posts That Can Be Weaponized Against You
During a divorce, certain types of social media posts can be particularly harmful to your case. Your spouse’s lawyer might use these posts against you in court. Here are some examples of social media divorce mistakes that could cause problems:
- Posts that attack or disparage your ex: These can be especially damaging in custody cases. Courts may view such posts as evidence that you are trying to turn the children against your ex, which could hurt your chances of getting favorable custody arrangements.
- Confessional posts: Admitting to mistakes, including infidelity, could adversely impact your ability to negotiate a fair divorce agreement. Lawyers might use social media evidence during divorce to argue for a less favorable division of assets or support payments.
- Photos of vacations or large purchases: Sharing these could raise questions about whether you’re being honest on your financial disclosures for property division. If you claim financial hardship but post about expensive trips or purchases, it could undermine your credibility.
- Photos of dates or new relationships: Since you’re technically still married until the divorce is finalized, these can be extremely damaging to your case. Your ex’s lawyer might use these photos to argue that you are not committed to reconciliation or that you’re setting a bad example for your children. Online dating and divorce also do not mix well, so it’s best to avoid sharing about online relationships.
Remember, your ex or their lawyer could potentially see anything you post online. It’s always best to think twice before sharing and consult with your attorney if you’re unsure about what’s appropriate to post during your divorce proceedings.
Should You Leave Social Media During Your Divorce?
The decision to leave social media during a divorce is ultimately a personal one, but many attorneys recommend extremely limited posting during this time. While you don’t necessarily need to delete your accounts entirely, it’s wise to be very cautious about what you share online.
Even seemingly innocent posts can be misinterpreted or used against you in court. It’s all too easy for a disagreement in the comments section with your ex to escalate into a full-blown fight, potentially damaging your case.
Moreover, something you thought was harmless to post might become a problem later in your divorce proceedings. If you choose to remain active on social media, consider adjusting your privacy settings, being mindful of your friends list and thinking carefully before posting anything. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your divorce attorney about your social media activity.
Shared Mobile Apps Can Compromise Your Divorce Case, Too
It’s not just social media that can cause problems during a divorce. Shared mobile apps can also put you at risk. Many apps, including some social media platforms, have location-sharing features that could be used to document allegations of inappropriate activity.
To protect yourself:
- Close all shared accounts and apps once you’re separated
- Turn off location sharing on your devices and in individual apps
- Be aware of apps that automatically share your location, such as fitness trackers or navigation apps
- Change passwords on all your personal accounts
- Review your app permissions regularly
Remember, you need to be in control of your data during a divorce.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Interests During Divorce
Navigating social media and technology during a divorce can be challenging, and it is not a problem you want to add to an already challenging situation. Contact Greco Law today for guidance on protecting your digital presence during divorce proceedings. Call our Columbus office at 614-963-9154 or use our online form to schedule your consultation.